Latest news with #TroutFire
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Couple loses home to Trout Fire burning in the Gila National Forest
GRANT COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The Trout Fire, burning just outside of Silver City, is now 83% contained and has scorched more than 47,000 acres, destroying two homes in the process. Story continues below Crime: Albuquerque police: Child exploitation sting was a success Trending: Poll: What is the strangest town name in New Mexico? News: How could New Mexico schools be impacted by withholding of federal funds? Wildfire: Couple loses home to Trout Fire burning in the Gila National Forest Benjamin Bevel, who lived just 20 miles outside of Silver City, describes living in his cabin with his wife as peaceful. For 15 years, he enjoyed his retirement in the Gila National Forest. However, everything changed 20 days ago. 'I had four or five outbuildings, an entire porch I built, a rocking chair, interior furniture, things like that that we'll never, never get back,' Bevel said. Unfortunately, his cabin was one of the homes lost to the fire. 'I took numerous pictures of the loss, and I still have a tremendous amount of pictures of what used to be, so we're kind of clinging to that.' This isn't the couple's first experience with forest fire scares. In 2014, during the Signal Fire, a helicopter had to swoop in and save them, but at that time, their home was spared. Bevel returned to the site of his cabin for the first time on Tuesday and found it heartbreaking. 'Imagine a lifelong dream. And, and everything that you built with your own hands, things that can never ever be replaced, just totally and completely unequivocally destroyed,' he said. Right now, he and his wife are staying at a property they own in Tucson, Arizona. They are unsure if they will return and rebuild, but he hopes that his loss will not deter others from pursuing their dream homes. 'People tell me, 'You're living the dream that we wish we could.' If you're young enough to try, get out there and do it.' Highway 15 is reopening Wednesday night, but drivers are advised to exercise caution as fire crews are still on the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Heavy Rain Expected to Flood Two States After Wildfires
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two states are at an increased risk of flash floods on Wednesday amid excessive rainfall, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Wednesday forecast. Burn scars in Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico will prove especially vulnerable to flash foods, NWS Weather Prediction Center Meteorologist Bryan Jackson told Newsweek. Why It Matters Early July is the beginning of the U.S. Southwest's monsoon season, when the area typically sees heavy rainfall. However, the current weather system is anomalous, Jackson said, caused by a low over Southern California that's bringing moisture from the tropical Pacific into the region. "I don't think this is a classic monsoon, but it is that type of pattern and is the type of year for it to occur," Jackson said. A stock photo shows a burn scar. A stock photo shows a burn scar. Eric Mischke/Getty What to Know On Wednesday morning, the NWS posted an excessive rainfall outlook through Thursday on Facebook. In the forecast, much of Arizona, southwestern New Mexico and western Texas were at a slight risk for rainfall to exceed flash flood guidelines. "Heavy to excessive rainfall may bring flooding to parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia today," the NWS said in the forecast. "Recently burned areas will be particularly vulnerable to flash flooding." Several recent wildfires, including the Greer Fire in Arizona, the Trout Fire in New Mexico, and the Buck Fire in New Mexico, have made the land vulnerable to flash flooding. "When there's vegetation in place with all the root systems, it keeps the topsoil in place. When things are burned, you lose the vegetation that retains [the water]," Jackson told Newsweek. "If the fire burns hot enough, it can cause the soil characteristics to change, so water can be more repellent. It can run off more readily over fresh burned areas." Through Thursday, Jackson said Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico are expecting between 1 and 2 inches of rain. However, if thunderstorms develop, locally higher rainfall amounts could occur. NWS offices across the region have issued flood watches, alerting residents of the flood risk in the area. What People Are Saying A flood watch issued by the NWS office in Tucson, Arizona: "The combination of deeper atmospheric moisture moving into Southeast Arizona from the south and an approaching weather system will result in widespread showers and thunderstorms. These storms will be capable of producing localized heavy rainfall in excess of an inch that can result in flash flooding of normally dry washes, roadway dips and other low-lying areas." A flood watch issued by the NWS office in Santa Teresa, New Mexico: "Deep moisture is in place, and the atmosphere is forecast to turn unstable by the late morning and early afternoon, leading to the development of thunderstorms that will be capable of producing brief heavy rainfall. This will lead to excessive runoff, especially on recent wildfire burn scars in Lincoln County." What Happens Next Rain is expected to continue through Thursday, but the forecast for the region is clear for Friday and Saturday, Jackson said.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials declare emergency as wildfire rips through over 20,000 acres of US land: 'Danger and destruction'
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is taking the necessary steps to combat the latest extreme weather event in the state. As detailed by the Santa Fe New Mexican, Grisham declared an emergency in Grant County after a devastating wildfire that has "burned more than 24,000 acres north of Silver City." Known as the Trout Fire, the blaze has been burning since June 12 but is at least 41% contained and was ruled to have been caused by lightning. Grisham's declaration also authorized $750,000 in emergency response spending, which includes the deployment of the New Mexico National Guard. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also sent Grisham a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which the state can use to request "additional firefighting crews, fire engines, air support, sheltering assistance and personnel from federal or other entities," per the Santa Fe New Mexican. "New Mexicans are all too familiar with the devastation that comes from wildfires that bring danger and destruction to everything in their paths," Grisham said in a news release, per the Santa Fe New Mexican. "I appreciate our federal partners for taking this threat seriously and for doing their part in supporting the responders who are working their hardest to protect the community." As temperatures rise during the summer months, many areas are bracing for a difficult wildfire season, and a warming climate makes these disasters even more devastating. Rising global temperatures have caused wildfires to happen more frequently and persist for longer. In addition to the destruction caused by the Trout Fire, New Mexico residents are facing a potentially dangerous situation from the smoke polluting the air. This can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate health conditions such as asthma. Before Gov. Grisham's emergency declaration, New Mexico health and environment officials issued a smoke advisory for Grant and Catron counties due to the poor air quality caused by the Trout Fire and the Buck Fire, which has been burning near Aragon. The state's Department of Health and Environment Department warned that air quality as far south as Las Cruces could be affected by the ongoing blazes. "As smoke from the Trout and Buck fires affects communities in Grant and Catron counties, we urge residents to stay alert and take steps to protect their health," Cindy Hollenberg, Air Quality Bureau chief for the Environment Department, said in a release, per the Santa Fe New Mexican. Dr. Chelsea Langer, bureau chief of the state Department of Health's Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau, advised residents in fire- and smoke-affected areas to limit outdoor activities and take other steps to protect their health. The Santa Fe New Mexican explained that low visibility indicates air quality is "unhealthy for young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung diseases, asthma or other respiratory illness." If you're in an area susceptible to wildfires, it's important to stay informed about critical climate issues and take local action. It's crucial to stay inside during times of poor air quality, but if you have to go outside, wearing masks like N95 or P100 can help protect you from breathing in smoke particles. Air purifiers can further improve your indoor air quality by capturing harmful particles. Protecting your health and the health of your loved ones should be the No. 1 priority during wildfire events. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Businesses near Lake Roberts struggle in aftermath of Trout Fire
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Wildfire season is putting many New Mexico's small towns on high alert, not only because of the potential destruction those fires can cause but also the loss of tourism during a pivotal season for business. 'This definitely hurts business up here,' said Inn at Lake Roberts owner Lauren Gueswel. It's a story New Mexicans have heard far too often: wildfires creeping towards town at the start of tourist season, creating a ghost town. 'I'm not quite sure how we'll recover,' said Gueswel. Story continues below News: Bystander injured in shootout in Albuquerque sues suspect and law enforcement KRQE Investigates: Former APD officer tied to DWI scandal now working in Durango Veteran Voices: Rio Rancho veteran and his family receive mortgage free home Trending: Businesses near Lake Roberts struggle in aftermath of Trout Fire Gueswel said the Trout Fire came right up to Lake Roberts, north of Silver City, the home of her inn. While the fire is slowing down, some areas around the lake are still under evacuation. 'We right away started cancelling the immediate reservations, of course, we didn't know where the fire would go and how long it would last,' said Gueswel. Gueswel said cancellations have cost her around $10,000, which typically helps the inn get through the slow season. 'Considering we only have seven units, that's a big hit,' said Gueswel. While Gueswel said the fire threat is subsiding, her books don't reflect that. 'The calendar pretty much emptied out because of this, and so even folks that were planning on coming up for 4th of July weekend, which is usually full, and campgrounds are full, and it's pretty active up here. It has completely emptied out,' said Gueswel. The inn isn't in the clear just yet, as the entire area now gets ready for burn scar flooding. 'Up here it can rain really heavy a half a mile away and come down one of the washes and it's not happening where your standing so yeah sometimes a flash flood could happen when it's not really raining where you are,' said Gueswel. 'We're all sandbagged and ready if it gets worse, but yeah, we're definitely fearful of the flooding.' Gueswel said that despite it all, the area will recover. 'All the trees are going to survive, it will be beautiful again as soon as we get a little rain,' said Gueswel. Southwest New Mexico also dealt with the Black Fire in 2022, which turned into one of the largest wildfires in New Mexico's history, burning more than 325,000 acres between Silver City and Truth or Consequences. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Feds charge man for buying fireworks in NM, claiming he was going to use them against police in LA
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing fireworks in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during protests in California, according to the Department of Justice. 'Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities,' Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated in part in a news release. Story continues below Wildfire: House sitter becomes unexpected hero, saving four protected raptors during Trout Fire Trending: New restaurant in Old Town takes over space left by beloved eatery Crime: Man sentenced for stealing copper in downtown Albuquerque News: Feds charge man for buying fireworks in NM, claiming he was going to use them against police in LA The feds said Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg to purchase the fireworks on June 12, 2025. While there, Vandenberg reportedly asked the cashier about the biggest fireworks that he could buy and the ones that could cause harm, according to court documents. Vandenberg told store employees that he was a prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. He then reportedly told employees that he was traveling to Los Angeles for the 'riots' with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials, court documents stated. Store staff reported that Vandenberg invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California and also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them to kill officers, per court documents. Officials said Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10. Before he could leave, the cashier wrote down the vehicle's license plate number, officials said. 'Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,' said FBI Director Kash Patel in the news release. 'This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information – we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.' Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. The DOJ said Vandenberg will remain in custody on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
