Mandatory Evacuations Issued in New Mexico as Wildfires Rage

Wildfires burning in New Mexico have forced mandatory evacuations and triggered air quality alerts. Here is the latest on this developing situation.

Latest on New Mexico Wildfires

Two large fires blazing through the southwestern corner of New Mexico are burning out of control as of midday Wednesday. Building heat, high winds, and drought conditions are creating hazardous fire conditions in this part of the country. Low snowpack levels from the winter have made the Desert Southwest vulnerable to early-season wildfire action.

The Trout Fire is burning about 12 miles north of Silver City, approximately 150 miles to the northeast of El Paso, Texas. According to the New Mexico Fire Information agency, the blaze has burned nearly 25,000 acres since it ignited on June 12. This fire is 0% contained. At least 350 homes have been evacuated as the Trout Fire continues to grow. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

Over 600 personnel are on the site working to get the Trout Fire under control. Fire crews are using dozer lines and handlines to push back the flames. While officials want to use helicopters to bring in water and retardant drops, the windy conditions are making this difficult.

Officials are also expressing concern that the dry conditions are making it easier for the flames to spread overnight. This is typically the time of the day when crews can leverage the higher humidity levels to gain containment.

Buck Fire Spreads

Approximately 120 miles to the north of the Trout Fire, the Buck Fire is encompassing even more acreage. This fire has scorched nearly 58,000 acres near the community of Aragon. As of the last update, the Buck Fire is about 15% contained. The Buck Fire was started by a lightning strike on June 11, spreading quickly across the dry vegetation.

Crews battling the Buck Fire have focused their efforts on containing the fire along the northern flank using air resources. The inferno grew considerably on Sunday and Monday due to the high winds.

Both of the fires have led to trail shutdowns. The popular Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has been closed in some areas near the Buck Fire.

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect through Wednesday as the hot and dry weather lingers. Temperatures throughout much of New Mexico will hover in the low to mid 90s. Low humidity levels and windy conditions will add more fuel to the fires. Wind speeds in western New Mexico are predicted to intensify Friday morning. The winds are not likely to ease until the middle of next week.

The forecast for Aragon is calling for a high of 94 degrees on Wednesday. The mercury will settle in the low 90s on Thursday and Friday with plentiful sunshine. Winds will increase from speeds of 10 to 20 mph on Thursday to 15 to 25 mph on Friday. While high temperatures will slide slightly into the mid to upper 80s over the weekend, the breezy conditions will continue to present concerns.

Moving to the Trout Fire, the nearby community of Silver City is forecast to see highs in the mid 90s on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Readings will dip a few notches into the low 90s and upper 80s by the weekend. Winds will remain consistent over the next few days, clocking in at 10 to 20 mph.

Air Quality Concerns

Not surprisingly, the smoke generated by the two fires has prompted air quality concerns. Albuquerque has already seen the impacts of the thick smoke. The poor air quality levels in the largest metro area in New Mexico are expected to remain an issue through the balance of the week.

Albuquerque is forecast to see highs in the upper 90s through at least Saturday. The mercury will drop into the mid 90s on Sunday before falling into the low 90s on Monday. Readings will cool more significantly on Tuesday, with highs forecast to top out at about the 80-degree mark.

Forecasters are also warning that Denver will begin to see the impacts from the smoke by the weekend. The smoke and haze will add to the building heat wave across the Mile High City. The heat in Denver is forecast to peak on Friday and Saturday with highs that hit the century mark.

Air quality alerts have been issued for some areas of Grant County. These hazardous air quality levels will stick around through Wednesday. The hardest-hit zones include Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley, located along Highway 35. The portion of Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo will also be subject to the dangerous air quality levels. Those with underlying health conditions should be particularly vigilant about the hazards of poor air quality.

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