LIVE: Trout Fire in Southwest New Mexico
Live updates on evacuations, firefighting efforts, and fire activity for the Trout Fire effecting Southwest New Mexico
From Honolulu, this is the High Tide Report.
I’m Anthony Albidrez, reporter, Silver City native, reporting on my news-desert hometown, Silver City, New Mexico, on this fire from the middle of the Pacific.
Here’s the latest on the Trout Fire in Southwest New Mexico:
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 9:30 MT:
Trout Fire Grows to Nearly 25,000 Acres; Wind-Driven Spread Triggers Evacuation Changes
SILVER CITY, N.M. — Gusty winds, dry conditions, and high temperatures challenged firefighting efforts Tuesday as the Trout Fire expanded to 24,706 acres with zero containment. The fire, burning in the Gila National Forest about 12 miles north of Silver City, has prompted rapidly shifting evacuation orders and growing concern for nearby communities.
Fire officials said the southeast and northeast flanks remain especially active, fueled by grass, brush, and timber. Crews are working to remove vegetation from Soldier Canyon to Highway 35 in an effort to slow the fire’s northeastern spread, while aerial retardant drops are targeting movement toward Signal Peak. Smoke is creating moderate to unhealthy air quality in parts of Grant County.
The Southwest Incident Management Team 4 is coordinating with local emergency officials to manage the incident, which now involves 875 personnel. Fire managers said weather conditions are expected to persist into the evening, contributing to active fire behavior.
Updated Evacuations (as of Tuesday at 8 p.m. MDT):
GO (Evacuate Now) – Zones 1–6, 8–12, 26
SET (Prepare to Evacuate) – Zones 7, 27
EADY (Be Alert) – Zones 28, 29
Evacuation zones continue to shift frequently. Residents are urged to monitor the interactive evacuation map at https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=4d6aa2593621469692914966de85cfa4.
Two Red Cross shelters are open:
Grant County Convention Center (3031 US-180, Silver City)
Cobre High School (1300 Tom Foy Blvd., Bayard)
Livestock may be taken to the Southwest Horseman’s Arena, and pets are being cared for by the High Desert Humane Society.
(I’ve made calls to get information on how to access this support without answer, so assume showing up is valid enough to receive services.)
Closures and Restrictions:
A Gila National Forest closure order remains in effect: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts/trout-fire-area-closure-updated-6172025
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions apply throughout the area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_3951
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:57 MT:
Trout Fire Prompts Expanded Evacuations, Power Shutoffs in New Mexico’s Grant County
SILVER CITY, N.M. — Fueled by extreme drought, triple-digit heat, and strong winds, the Trout Fire expanded Monday and into Tuesday in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest, prompting widespread mandatory evacuations, utility shutdowns, and an all-hands firefighting effort. While no structures have been reported lost, officials warn that fire behavior remains unpredictable.
Mandatory Evacuations
A live evacuation map is available here. Full zone details are posted on the Grant County Ready-Set-Go page.
The following areas are under “GO” evacuation orders as of Tuesday:
Zone 8: Indian Springs
Zone 9: Cooney Place
Zone 10: Mimbres
Zone 11: San Lorenzo
Zone 12: Santa Rita Mine
Zone 26: Lampbright
Zones 1–6 remain under earlier “GO” evacuation orders.
Residents are urged to evacuate immediately. Reentry is not permitted at this time.
Other evacuation levels include:
Zone 27 (Royal John) — READY status: residents should have evacuation and communication plans in place.
Zones 7 and other nearby areas — SET status: prepare for possible evacuation.
Shelters and Animal Evacuation Support
The Grant County Business and Conference Center (3031 US-180, Silver City) is open as an official American Red Cross shelter.
The site has 100 cots, provides free meals, and serves as a cooling center.
Walk-ins are welcome for food, rest, or overnight stays.
Livestock may be taken to the Southwest Horseman’s Arena (1 Cabellero Drive, Silver City) or the Grant County Fairgrounds (10 Arena Rd, Gila, NM 88038) in Cliff, New Mexico.
Pets are being accommodated by the High Desert Humane Society (3050 Cougar Way, Silver City, NM).
Fire Behavior and Suppression Efforts
The fire remained active overnight, particularly on its eastern and southern flanks. Firefighters conducted controlled burns to reinforce containment lines and prevent further spread. Today’s operations may expand to the north and west sides, depending on conditions. Crews are building handlines, reinforcing dozer lines, and identifying natural features to serve as control lines.
Aerial water and retardant drops are planned but may be limited due to wind gusts up to 35 mph. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Wednesday due to low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds.
Additional firefighting personnel and equipment have arrived, supporting round-the-clock operations.
Power Shutoffs and Road Closures
PNM has cut power to communities along Highways 35 and 15, from the Wilderness Ranger Station to the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Residents without electricity can access backup generators and charging stations at:
Sapillo Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Upper Mimbres Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Thunderbird Station
Highway 35 remains closed to civilian traffic. Residents who leave evacuation zones will not be allowed to return until further notice.
Forest Closures and Restrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect.
The Gila National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area.
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place.