Elbow Fire in Northeast Nevada
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ELKO, Nev. — Firefighters responded to the Elbow fire, five miles north of the Shafter Exit of Interstate 80 between Wells and Wendover, Nevada. The fire is currently estimated at 300 acres burning in pinyon and juniper trees near Toana Peak. Fire operations will include single engine air tankers (SEATs) to support crews on the ground working to contain the fire. There are currently no structures at risk, although the fire is in critical mule deer habitat.
Lightning passed through the area yesterday with low amounts of precipitation. Patrols and air attack will respond as needed to any “hold overs” that may flare up as grass and brush dry today. Hold overs are smoldering embers from lightning strikes that often occur when thunderstorms come with precipitation. As the days heat up and fuels dry, they can cause a fire.
Smoke from other fires in the West has started to drift into the region causing lower visibility.
As a reminder, fire restrictions are also in effect and prohibit:
- building and/or using a campfire or charcoal stove (using portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel OK providing it has an on/off switch)
- welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames (except by permit)
- using any explosive (except by permit)
- using fireworks or firing a tracer
- operating or parking a vehicle on dry vegetation
- operating an off-road vehicle without a spark arrestor
- steel core ammunition and explosive targets, as they are known fire starters
- smoking is allowed in an enclosed vehicle only
For more information on fires and restrictions please visit https://www.nevadafireinfo.org/
-BLM-
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.