SIERRA FRONT NEWS RELEASE
Today, firefighters throughout the region continue to battle the Bain Fire near Geiger Grade and Toll Road.
“From the onset of the fire, conditions were extreme; all of the elements that make for a difficult fire attack were in place,” advised Reno Fire Department Battalion Chief Tim Spencer. “Crews last night did a great job of protecting structures from the fast-moving and erratic fire. We made large strides with constructing hand and dozer lines which complemented a highly effective air attack.”
No structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported. Firefighters have been faced with steep terrain, changing wind conditions, and high components of cheat grass making it a difficult fire to contain. As of this morning the size of the fire is estimated to be approximately 600 acres. At the time of this release there is no estimate on when containment will occur.
Currently, there are no road closures or traffic controls in the area of the fire. Drivers are asked to use caution if having to travel on roadways near the fire as crews and apparatus are still actively working. Onlookers are asked to stay out of the area for the safety of themselves and personnel.
At 6 a.m. today, the Bain Fire was transitioned over to the Sierra Front, a Type 3 Team, operating under Incident Commander Mike Brown. Previously the fire was under the operation of a unified command with the Reno Fire Department, Sierra Fire Protection District, Storey County Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Emergency Management and Washoe County Regional Animal Services.
The Bain Fire started at 3:42 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Reno Fire Department investigators advise the fire was human caused. The investigation is ongoing as fire investigators continue questioning witnesses and suspects. More information will be released when the investigation is complete.
Approximately 180 personnel are working on the fire, including ground and air crews. Agencies working cooperatively on the fire include the Reno Fire Department, Storey County Fire Department, Nevada Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, Sierra Fire Protection District, United States Forest Service, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County School District, Washoe County Emergency Management, Washoe County Regional Animal Control, NV Energy, Nevada Department of Transportation, and Nevada Highway Patrol.
Yesterday, Tahoe Fire Chiefs sent a strike team and Department of Emergency Management from the State of Nevada organized two strike teams and area resources to respond to the fire. Agencies assisting yesterday with resources included Sparks Fire Department, Lyon County Fire Department, Cal Fire, Carson City Fire Department, East Fork Fire Department, Reno Police Department, American Red Cross, Washoe County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Washoe County Search and Rescue.
Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid health problems related to the smoky conditions caused by the fire. Examples of precautions include limiting outdoor activities and remain in an air-conditioned environment if possible; if you do not have an air conditioner and if smoke is likely to get inside your house, leave the area until the smoke is completely gone; avoid activities that put extra demand on your lungs and heart; contact your medical provider if you are concerned or your health gets worse.
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have heart of lung disease, or other pre-existing respiratory conditions such as respiratory allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.
