Coordinated initial attack effort minimizes multiple fires’ spread
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WINNEMUCCA, NV – On June 25th interagency fire resources responded to multiple fire starts in Pershing County along State Route 400, four miles south of Mill City. The largest of these starts, the Union Fire, grew to 1,245 acres before being controlled on June 26th. The cause of this fire was determined to be human related and resulted in the loss of two structures and an RV. “Pre-season planning efforts and positive working relationships amongst multiple agencies resulted in a quick, efficient, unified response that minimized the growth of this fire” said Donovan Walker, Fire Management Officer, BLM.
There were three other fires that started in this same vicinity shortly after the Union Fire was reported. The Star Creek Fire grew to 11 acres before being controlled on June 25th; the Big Canyon Fire was mapped at 237 acres and was controlled on June 26th and the Tehema Fire was kept at 1 acre and controlled on June 25th. Containing wildfires during the initial attack phase is a goal of BLM Fire. Doing so protects lives, property, and natural resources and prevents further extension of the fire. For this fire season, BLM Nevada is currently at 100% for containing wildfires during the initial attack phase.
No structures were lost to these fires. The causes are believed to be human related and are being investigated by the Nevada State Fire Marshal. BLM Fire Investigators aided in the initial cause determination and are coordinating as needed with both Nevada Division of Forestry and the State Fire Marshal as the investigations continue.
Initial attack resources responding to these starts consisted of BLM Fire, Nevada Division of Forestry and Pershing County. Eight BLM Engines, 1 NDF Engine, 2 BLM Dozers, 3 Battalion Chiefs, 1 BLM Water Tender and several structure and wildland resources from Pershing County were dispatched along with 4 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and 1 Air Attack (aerial supervision) plane. Pershing County Sherriff’s Office provided critical coordination and communication to local residents as the fires spread. NV Energy also engaged and responded to the incidents given their infrastructure was within and adjacent to the fire.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.