Several New Mexico Wildfires Force Evacuations Amid hot and Dry Weather Conditions

Three wildfires across western and southern New Mexico have spread over thousands of acres this week amid typical fire weather conditions. Residents in several locations have been forced to evacuate as crews struggle to contain the blazes, which could be fueled by hot and dry weather conditions through the weekend.

Wildfires in New Mexico
Wildfires have been burning for over a week across western and southern New Mexico. About 2,000 homes have been forced to evacuate in total.


On Wednesday, June 11th, a thunderstorm rolling through the Apache National Forest produced lightning that sparked a wildfire near the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) southeast of Aragon, NM. This fire has since burned over 57,000 acres across Catron County in southwestern New Mexico. The fire is burning acres adjacent to the Apache and Gila National Forests, being fueled by grass, timber, and weather conditions.

Dubbed the Buck Fire, the blaze has prompted soft closures on the CDT. Officials are actively discouraging hikers from traversing through this affected area. Additionally, New Mexico officials warned residents and visitors not to fly drones in the area, as they can pose a risk to firefighting and halt air operations. Nearly 300 personnel have been on-site to fight the fire, which is now 15% contained.

Trout Fire Forces Evacuations

Meanwhile, about 120 miles south of the Buck Fire, another blaze dubbed Trout Fire is burning on the southern flank of the GIla National Forest. The Trout Fire has consumed over 38,000 acres since last Thursday, June 12th. The initial cause of the fire is still under investigation, but hot and dry conditions have resulted in its rapid spread.

The blaze is burning closer to population centers, as its centered about 12 miles north of Silver City, NM. Evacuations have been ordered for several zones adjacent to the wildfire. Residents further out are instructed to be ready to evacuate, which includes residents on the northern fringes of the greater Silver City area. The fire is currently 0% contained.

A third, smaller “Seven Springs Fire” just northeast of White Sands National Park has burned 350 acres. Evacuations were initially ordered for Mescalero and the Nogal Canyon areas, but have been temporarily halted. Residents are still urged to remain vigilant, as this fire is still 0% contained.

Weather Conditions Will Remain Challenging

Air Quality alerts remain in effect for eastern Grant and western Sierra counties through Friday due to wildfire smoke. Temperatures will soar again today across southwestern New Mexico, with highs reaching into the upper 90s to lower 100s for many.

Dry and windy weather has been a significant driver of the wildfires, and those conditions will persist into the weekend. New Mexico officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid open flames and sparks, keep vehicles off dry grass, and properly discard cigarettes. Any new fires that break out have a high risk of rapid growth due to persistent heat, dry air, and wind.

Weather relief will likely not arrive until early next week, when heavy monsoon rainfall is expected to reenter the forecast.