A large wildfire North-West of Elko, the South Sugarloaf Fire, was slowed Tuesday but is still only 20 percent contained on Wednesday morning 8/22/18, after burning more than 78,106 acres.
As per the BLM, the outflow winds from a passing thunderstorm cell influenced yesterday’s fire activities, Tuesday 21st. Crews on the north side of the fire took advantage of the winds pushing the fire back on itself to go direct with into burned areas, limiting its growth to 8,000 acres from the previous day. Crews on the south end of the fire were active doing point protection on three ranch holdings including all of their outbuildings. All structures were successfully protected. A night operation was established to monitor and patrol the fire, and when necessary, provide additional point protection operations. Today crews will continue to build on yesterday’s success.
“Fire crews constructed an indirect containment line north from County Road 729 along an old two track,” reported the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire was started Friday by lightning about 20 miles southwest of Owyhee. It has burned west of Mountain City Highway from near Wildhorse Reservoir to near Mountain City.
Fire crews were able to establish three successful point protection operations around ranches and outbuildings. A night operation task force of engines patrolled fire lines, monitoring the fire’s activities north of Bull Run Reservoir.
A community meeting will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Bureau of Land Management Office community room at 3900 Idaho St. in Elko.
That wildfire in northern Elko County nearly doubled in size Monday 20th,and a voluntary evacuation notice was issued for residents in the Maggie Summit area west of Mountain City Highway.
This fire was started Friday August 17th, by lightning about 20 miles southwest of Owyhee. It had burned 63,847 acres by Monday evening, coming to within four miles of Mountain City.
“Firefighters are working hard on structure protection measures in the Maggie Summit Area,” said Joshua Nicholes, Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge District Ranger.
A temporary Evacuation Center has been set up at the Owyhee Human Development Center, 1284 OPD Road. For updates visit the Elko County Sheriff’s website at http://www.elkosheriff.com.
Forest roads and trails in the area have been closed due to public health and safety concerns.
The public is advised to avoid areas west of State Route 225, north of the Maggie Summit Road, east of Elko County Road 785/Nevada State Route 226, and south of the Shoshone-Pauite Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation boundary line. This includes areas around Pennsylvania Hill, Maggie Summit, and areas west of Mountain City.
There are more than 300 personnel working on the fire, including six hand crews, 17 engines, three helicopters, five bulldozers and four water tenders.
Another fire, the Sheep Creek Fire, as per Wednesday morning 8/22/18, is 40,000 acres and 10 percent contained. The fire is 15 miles north of Battle Mountain and started on August 18 at 2:00 p.m. The fire is burning in brush and tall grass with extreme fire behaviour. Federal and private crews of engines, dozers and air assets will go direct when possible, plan for indirect firing operations, structure protection. Estimated containment is August 23.
This fire started after a helicopter crashed and seriously injured two Lander County firefighters has burned 59,000 acres north of Battle Mountain.
Two volunteer firefighters were injured Saturday when the fire burned over their engine. The fire started shortly after a Nevada Department of Wildlife helicopter crashed about 15 miles north of Battle Mountain.
Both firefighters were being treated at a hospital burn center. One has second and third degree burns on 14 percent of their body and the other has second and third degree burns on 33 percent of their body. Their names are not being released at this time to provide for privacy for them and their families.
“Please continue to keep both of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers and thank you all for your continued support for the firefighters and families,” said Lander County Manager Keith Westengard. “The names of the firefighters will be released when it is appropriate to do so.”
The three people in the helicopter crash were in good condition.
The contract helicopter carrying a pilot and two NDOW biologists was on a wildlife survey when it crashed at about 2 p.m. The pilot and one of the biologists had minor injuries and the other biologist had injuries to their neck and back.
A wildfire started shortly after the crash, and crews from the Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Bureau of Land Management responded.
“During the response, an engine from the Battle Mountain VFD was burned over, injuring two firefighters,” NDOW reported.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of safety with our employees and the public and we are grateful everyone on the flight is safe,” said NDOW director Tony Wasley.
The Sheep Creek Fire was listed Monday night as 50 percent contained. A total of 169 personnel were on the scene Monday.
“This situation highlights the dangers faced by all partners and agencies who assist with battling wildfires,” said acting BLM Nevada State Director Mike Courtney. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters and their families as they deal with the injuries and recovery.”
“The Nevada Department of Wildlife will also continue to keep the injured firefighters and their families in our thoughts and prayers,” added Wasley.
Anyone who wants to send a card or note to the firefighters, for support of a speedy recovery, can mail them to Lander County c/o HR, 50 State Route 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820.
The helicopter crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
