NEW MEXICO — June 13 — Two fast-moving wildfires on opposite ends of the Gila National Forest have consumed more than 19,000 acres as of Friday evening, triggering evacuations, highway closures, and increasing threats to homes and power infrastructure in southwestern New Mexico.
🔥 Trout Fire (North of Silver City)
- Size: Over 3,900 acres
- Containment: 0%
- Location: Near N.M. 15, in the Sheep Corral and Meadow Creek areas
- Cause: Under investigation
- Evacuations: Ordered for residents near N.M. 15 and N.M. 35; urged to evacuate via N.M. 35 toward Mimbres
- Closures: N.M. 15 closed at its intersection with N.M. 35
- Threats: No structures burned; no injuries reported
“The fire was under the influence of hot, dry, windy weather… we do expect the fire to continue growing,”
— Maribeth Pecotte, Gila National Forest spokesperson
Communities in the Mimbres and Sapillo Creek valleys have been placed on alert for possible evacuation orders. Fire crews are bracing for difficult conditions as humidity drops into single digits and winds intensify.
🔥 Buck Fire (Southwest of Magdalena and Datil)
- Size: Over 16,000 acres
- Containment: 0%
- Cause: Lightning strike
- Evacuations: Issued for Garcia Camp
- Threats: Homes 1–2 miles from the fire; power lines in danger
- Closures: Portions of the Continental Divide Trail near N.M. 12
Officials from the Bureau of Land Management and wildfire teams are urging hikers to avoid the trail in Catron County, and note the fire has already crossed into private land.
🔎 Weather Outlook & Risks
Meteorologists warn that the fire risk will intensify through the weekend.
- Temperatures: Hotter-than-average
- Humidity: Dropping to single digits
- Storms: Risk of dry lightning, which could spark additional fires
“With the extreme drought conditions, that could lead to future fire starts,”
— Michael Anand, National Weather Service
🚨 What’s Next?
- Firefighters are working to contain both fires under increasingly dangerous weather conditions.
- Authorities are monitoring surrounding communities for further evacuation needs.
- Drivers and hikers are advised to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.
Stay updated through InciWeb and local emergency alerts for evacuation notices and trail conditions.
