Dry Gulch Fire Grows to 64,000 Acres with 50% Containment
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Wells, Nev., July 8, 2017 – As of 6 a.m. the Dry Gulch Fire had grown to an estimated 64,000 acres and is burning in brush and tall grass. The fire is 50% contained and the cause of the fire is under investigation. No structures are currently threatened and fire fighters are coordinating efforts with local ranchers to ensure protection of grazing allotments.
“We are really happy with the progress we have made on the fire,” said Carrie Thaler, Incident Commander. “Our crews on the ground have been working hard and we are starting to get a handle on the fire. Our major objective today is to continue to put more direct line on the fire with bulldozers and hand crews.”
There are a number of resources assigned to the fire including: one type helicopter, two type 3 helicopters, and the Alta, Logan, and Prineville Hotshot crews. There are approximately 250 personnel working on the fire.
As of 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, the Dry Gulch Fire will transition command from Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team 2 to Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team 3 with Taiga Rohrer as the new Incident Commander. The new team will be managing the Dry Gulch Fire, the 9 Mile Fire, and providing initial attack for any new fires that start in the Northern Nevada Zone.
“We are still in red flag warning through 10 p.m. tonight for gusty and erratic winds and thunderstorms. The risk of new fires starting remains high,” added Thaler. Visitors are encouraged to follow the fire tips below for a safe recreating experience:
- Do not leave campfires unattended.
- Clear vegetation and dry debris down to bare soil within 10 feet around your campfire.
- Be sure to completely put out campfires, leaving the site cold to the touch.
- Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling.
- Ensure cigarettes, cigars and tobacco pipes are fully extinguished when not in use.
- Use caution when operating vehicles in close proximity to vegetation. Spark arresting devices must be properly installed and maintained on all internal combustion engines.
- Do not target shoot in areas of dry fuels or use.
- Call 911 to report any wildfires.
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.