ELY, Nev. –
Two days into the Secret Pass Fire (now 98 percent contained), it was deemed necessary to move assets to the Ward Fire about nine miles south of Ely. So far, that fire has burned 8,775 acres.
“There were a lot of hot spots (this week), and they had all helicopters up and running last (two nights) to put those out,” Chief Warrant Officer 4 Scott Taylor, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot said Tuesday. “Helicopter crews are making a massive impact on this fire. It seems calm now, but it could change quickly.”
Total numbers on the Ward Fire, including CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk crews, as of Wednesday evening:
• Buckets dropped: 174
• Water dropped (gal): 150,200
As of Thursday morning, fire officials reported 27 percent containment, a jump from zero percent containment the previous day.
Several state and federal agencies are working the fire, which is being led by the U.S. Forest Service, according to data tracked by the National Interagency Fire Center. State asset support is being managed by the Office of Emergency Management and the Nevada Division of Forestry. Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson fire departments are also supporting with engines.
Aerial resources will continue to assist firefighters on the ground, securing the perimeter with water and retardant drops to strengthen containment lines, the U.S. Forest Service said Tuesday evening.
The Ward Fire began on Friday, burning sagebrush, pinyon juniper and mixer conifer fuels on Ward Mountain. The cause of the fire is not known.
Nearly 500 personnel are working on the fire, according to NIFC.