Why is it so hazy? How New Mexico wildfire smoke hurts El Paso air quality
The current Trout Fire in Silver City, which has burned over 38,701 acres, has caused a new problem as El Paso's air quality worsens as a result of the smoke.
The latest on the blaze includes evacuation orders for Lake Roberts, Mimbres, San Lorenzo, Santa Rita Mine, Thunderbird, Lampbright, Sapillo Creek, Bear Dam, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Bear Canyon, Cherry Creek Ranch, Indian Springs Ranch and Cooney Place.
The Trout Fire joins the adjacent Meadow Fire, which has burned over eight acres, six miles east of Gila, New Mexico. That also is not contained.
IQAir notes the air quality is moderate at 88, which means "children, active adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion."
The main pollutant is PM2.5, which refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
"These fine particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues. It's primarily produced from combustion processes like fires, including those from vehicles, industrial emissions, and burning fossil fuels in power plants," the website said.
The American Lung Association suggests the following to protect one's lungs. They include:
Wear a KN95 mask when outside
Limit outdoor activity
Run an air purifier in your home
Close windows to avoid outdoor air
Over the last 14 days, New Mexico has experienced eight fires that have burned an estimated 82,000 acres. For 2025, there have been 556 fires that have burned an estimated 119,000 acres. Three of those have been major fires.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso weather: Haze from New Mexico wildfires hurting air quality
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