Hot, Extremely Dry and Windy Conditions Fan Martin’s Flames
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PARADISE VALLEY, Nev. –The Martin fire was reported around 12:25 a.m. on July, 5 about 4 miles northeast of Paradise Valley, NV. The fire grew rapidly due to dense, dry fuels, inaccessible terrain and gusty downslope winds, threatening numerous homes and structures overnight. The hot, extremely dry and windy conditions today fanned the flames with the fire growing to over 22,000 acres by 5:00 p.m. and posed threats to the Paiute Pipeline that runs through the area. The fire is 2% contained and firefighters were successful in keeping the fire from residences and structures today on the fire's southern end, primarily in the Martin Creek Drainage. With the fire exhibiting extreme fire behavior, significant growth is expected until the winds die down and weather conditions improve. The fire started on BLM lands adjacent to private land.
There are no mandatory evacuations at this time although residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if conditions change. Several firefighting resources from the BLM and Paradise Valley VFD have been battling the fire today with a substantial increase in resources for the fire expected to arrive by tomorrow. A Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered for the fire and expected to arrive tomorrow. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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.