Waterpipe Fire Update

The lightning-caused Waterpipe Fire started approximately 12:30 p.m. Aug. 21, 10 miles east of Tuscarora, Nev. The fire is burning in a very remote location with limited access for vehicles and equipment. Voluntary evacuations were made for the small community of Taylor Canyon and employees of the Starvation Canyon Mine. State Route 226 was temporarily closed due to fire proximity, but reopened in the evening with escort. Currently, Nevada Department of Transportation is providing escort to traffic. Several power lines were burned through, but replaced by Nevada Energy. The fire is burning in an area of important sage grouse habitat not impacted by previous years’ fires. It is also important habitat for several species of wildlife.

Location: Ten miles east of Tuscarora, Nev.

Size: 4,000 acres

Resources: 74 Personnel; 1 Type-2 crew; 1 Type-3 helicopters; 12 Engines; 2 dozers; and miscellaneous overhead.

Fuels: Grass, brush, sage, willows, aspen groves in drainages.

Contained: no estimate as of this a.m.

Control:

Jurisdiction: Private

Incident Commander: Glen Uhlig

Cause: Lightning

Please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3696/ for more information and photos.

Red Cow Fire Update

The Red Cow fire received some moisture today and resources were able to secure a large portion of the fire. Fire crews will begin mop-up and rehab operations today. Dozer line rehab will include disbursement of native grass seed. Smoldering and flare-ups could continue within the interior of the fire for several weeks. The fire will remain patrolled until it is determined to be 100 percent controlled. Several resources were released to assist with the Waterpipe Fire.

The fire is burning in a very remote location with limited access for vehicles and equipment. The fire is burning in an area of intact sage grouse habitat not impacted by previous fires. It is important wildlife habitat for several species. The area is also an historic mining district with abandoned mine shafts posing safety hazards.

Location: Ten miles northwest of Tuscarora, Nev.

Size: 16,193 acres

Resources: 299 Personnel; 1 Type-1 crew; 5 Type-2 crews; 2 Type-3 helicopters; 17 Engines; 2 dozers; 2 water tenders; 1 camp crew and miscellaneous overhead.

Fuels: Grass, brush, sage, scattered timber

Contained: 50%;

Control: anticipated Aug. 23

Jurisdiction: BLM

Incident Commander: Tyler Hecht

Cause: Under Investigation