Wildfires in Gila National Forest force road closures, evacuations
The Meadow Fire, Buck Fire and Trout Fire are burning in the Gila National Forest.
The Trout and Meadow fires are consuming acreage just north of silver City, New Mexico, near Highway 15.
The Trout Fire had grown to over 2,000 acres by June 13 after igniting June 12. The fire's growth was driven by wind and dry conditions, burning through timber, brush and grass.
The Meadow Fire ignited June 11 and was reported around 9 acres on June 12. Firefighters were working to establish containment. Officials said the fire was burning through pine and oak trees and scrub grass.
The Buck Fire is burning southeast of Aragon, also in the Gila National Forest. The fire was reported June 11 and is suspected to be caused by lightning. As of June 13 the fire had burned 16,000 acres.
Portions of the Gila National Forest were closed to the public as a precaution, as the Trout Fire continues to grow.
More: Largest wildfires in New Mexico history
In a news release June 13, the U.S. Forest Service announced closures south and west of New Mexico Highway 35, north of Allie Canyon Trail, the continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Signal Peak and Tadpole Ridge trails and east of Sheep Corral Canyon.
A "Go" order was issued to those living along the western end of New Mexico Highway 35 from Sapillo Campground to the intersection of Highway 15/35.
Road closures include NM 15 northbound and southbound from mile marker 17, 10 miles north of Pinos Altos to mile marker 22, 15 miles north of Pinos Altos, according to the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation. New Mexico 35 eastbound from mile marker 27, 0.5 miles south of NM 15 to mile marker 19, 8 miles south of NM 15 are to be used for evacuations only.
Wildfire smoke map: Track fires and ref flag warnings across the US
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Gila National Forest wildfires cause evacuations, road closures
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