Las Cruces is suffering a blanket of smoke this week due to the Trout Fire in the Gila National Fire.
The fire has grown large enough to prompt Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday, June 17. With that declaration, the state can tap federal grants to help with fire management.
The fire is located 12 miles north of Silver City. The state will also be able to seek more assistance for fire relief efforts in Grant County, including an allocation of $750,000 to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM).
With the money the DHSEM will have the ability to request more fire engines, air support, sheltering assistance, and personal including the New Mexico National Guard.
Areas immediately affected by the fire continue to be evacuated, and the New Mexico Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at the Grant County Business & Conference Center, 3031 US-180, Silver City, NM 88061.
But even though Las Cruces residents are not in immediate danger from the wildfire, the smoke has impact.
Senior Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association, JoAnna Strother, told the Bulletin that complications come from wildfire smoke as it is particularity fine and has the potential to settle deep in the lungs which can cause health complications.
“We are in wildfire season, and so we are seeing wildfires that are becoming increasingly widespread,” Strother said. “Also, wildfire smoke is detrimental to public health, and it produces particulate matter 2.5 [micrometers in diameter] which is an extremely fine particle that can launch deep down into the lungs, and it can cause a variety of breathing issues. It can cause asthma attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular harm, but breathing in particle pollution can also cause lung cancer.”
She stressed the importance of minimizing outdoor time for those in the affected area and wearing masks. Strother also encouraged people who want to know more on wildfire respiratory safety to visit lung.org for additional resources.
The Trout fire began June 12 and, due to weather conditions, has grown to 18,278 acres as of June 16 according to the New Mexico Fire Information. As of June 17, the fire was not contained.
Large fires such as the Trout Fire are not uncommon in May and June in New Mexico, coming out of the state’s driest months, much of the vegetation lacks moisture, making it Ideal kindling. Along with dry vegetation, the gusty winds have contributed largely to the fire growing to the size it has. Large bursts of strong, dry wind have fed the fire more oxygen and pushed the flames forward.
While contributing to expanding the fire, the gusty winds are also responsible for carrying the side effects of the fires to Las Cruces, affecting the air quality of the city.
Meteorologist at the El Paso National Weather Service, Dave Hefner, said the smoke from the fire has been pushed towards Las Cruces by wind, causing a drop in the city’s air quality.
Since the Trout fire began, Las Cruces Air Pollution Index has risen to 50 AQI, and is predicted to rise to levels that qualify as unhealthy according to accuweather.com.
While the effects in Las Cruces are not predicted to be particularly adverse, it is still recommended for residents to remain indoors if they have a history of respiratory issues.
“Minimize your time and stay indoors,” Strother said. “Make sure that your air conditioner is on recirculate, so you're not bringing in air from outside into your home. Make sure you're keeping your windows closed if you do have to head outdoors and you do have something like asthma or cancer or any cardiovascular disease, we do suggest, if possible, a well fitted K95 mask to help minimize some of those symptoms.”
Information regarding the status of the fire will be updated through nmfireinfo.com.
Editor's note: This story was updiated June 20 at 10:20 a.m. to correct that JoAnna Strother works for the American Lung Association, not the American Lung Society.
