The Blue Jay Fire is 40-percent contained. Full containment is expected by Saturday evening, Aug. 8.
The estimated 670-acre fire is burning in priority sage grouse habitat about eight miles southeast of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge or 60 miles northwest of Ely, Nev.
The fire is consuming pinion-pine, juniper, sagebrush and grasses. There is no immediate threat to private property. Public and firefighter safety is the top priority.
The Bureau of Land Management is fully suppressing the fire. Firefighters overnight continued to secure a line around the perimeter. Fire growth was minimal with smoldering, creeping and occasional torching on both the perimeter and interior.
Today’s forecast calls for highs in the low 80s and a relative humidity of 10 to 15-percent. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and scattered showers are expected in the fire area tomorrow and Saturday.
The BLM has or is being assisted in its fire suppression efforts by the City of Ely, White Pine County, Nevada Division of Forestry, Forest Service and private contractors. Currently engaging the fire are one Type 1 hand crew, three Type 2 hand crews, two engines, one bulldozer and one Type 3 helicopter.
The lightning-ignited fire was first reported at about 2:20 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4.
For more information, contact Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely District fire information officer, at (775) 289-1842 or chanefel@blm.gov.
