With increased containment of the Trout Fire and the approach of the holiday weekend, the Gila National Forest, in coordination with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, has reopened New Mexico Highway 15 and revised the public safety area closure to permit access to recreational facilities at Lake Roberts. The updated closure area now includes National Forest System lands located south and west of New Mexico Highway 35 and east of Highway 15, extending south to the Gila National Forest boundary. It also encompasses the area within the Trout Fire perimeter west of Highway 15, from Forest Road 876 (Trout Creek Road) north to the fire perimeter. For more information and to see the updated area closure list, visit website

The Gila Community Foundation continues to actively raise funds to support recovery efforts following the Trout Fire and has raised $38,400 to date, thanks to generous community contributions. The American Red Cross concluded its on-the-ground response on Sunday, June 29  with a final distribution of cleanup kits, food, and water in coordination with The Commons Center for Food Security. As the immediate response phase comes to a close, the Recreation Center is no longer functioning as a donation or distribution site. However, The Commons remains an essential resource for individuals affected by the Trout Fire. 

Last in our News is a list of events going on tomorrow for the 4th of July:

The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce will be having their “America the Beautiful” festival with music, food, performances and more. The Flag Raising Ceremony will start at 9 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:00 a.m. Festivities will take place afterwards at Gouph Park.

The City of Lordsburg and the Lordsburg Volunteer Fire Department will be holding their annual 4th of July Pyrotechnic Show and festivities. There will be free swimming from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lordsburg Municipal Swimming Pool with fireworks beginning at Dusk. 

Glenwood will be having a three day celebration beginning July 4th to July 6th with a parade, fireworks, food and a Ranch Rodeo. The fun starts at 5:00 p.m. at Glenwood Park with the 4th of July parade. For more information on times and days of events, visit Glenwood, New Mexico’s Facebook page.

The City of Deming will be having their annual 4th of July celebration and with music, food vendors and fun for the whole family. The parade will start at 10 a.m. with activities starting at 11 a.m. at the Courthouse Park. The Fireworks display will start at 9:15 p.m. at Trees Lake.