New Mexico
New Mexico wildfire map shows blazes raging across 76,000 acres
Two active wildfires in southwest New Mexico have burnt a combined total of more than 76,000 acres of land as of Tuesday morning.
The Trout fire, located north of Silver City, erupted on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information.
Meanwhile, the Buck Fire was first reported on June 11 and is burning southeast of Aragon, in Catron County.
Oliver Horn/Fort Stanton Historic Site/AP
What To Know
According to a map from Watch Duty — a non-profit, non-governmental organization run by volunteers — the Buck fire has burnt more than 58,000 acres of land, and is currently 15 percent contained.
The Trout fire, located in Grant County, has scorched approximately 18,300 acres with zero percent containment, according to the map.
In a Monday update on the Buck fire, officials said that gusty, unpredictable winds had fueled heightened fire activity and expansion of the blaze. It added that hot and dry conditions are expected to persist for the next several days.
Watch Duty
In an update on the Trout Fire, New Mexico Fire Information said the blaze’s perimeter experienced “noticeable growth” over the weekend along its western, northern and eastern flanks.
It added that 625 personnel were working to mitigate the blaze’s impacts, and that an evacuation shelter was available at the Grant County Convention Center.
A red flag alert has also been issued for western New Mexico on Tuesday by the National Weather Service (NWS), with forecasters warning of “critical fire weather conditions” due to gusty winds, single digit humidity levels, and dry vegetation.
What People Are Saying
The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: “Firefighters continue efforts to strengthen control lines for future firing operations and to slow active fire spread to the north and northeast.”
Meteorologist Hannah Fresquez said on X on Monday: “We’re keeping a close eye on these fires as critical fire danger remains in the area. Smoke from both is drifting south, causing hazy skies across the borderland.”
The NWS issued a warning to people downstream of the Trout Fire, saying: “Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should remain indoors. People with heart disease, symptoms such as a fast pulse or heartbeat, shortness of breath, or unusual weakness may indicate a health problem. If you have any of these, call your health care provider.”
What Happens Next
Road closures and evacuation orders remain in force for certain areas as firefighters continue to battle both blazes.
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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