Mill Fire 60 Percent Contained, Mill Creek Campground not Available for Public Use until Further Notice
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BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – The Mill Fire, located 30 miles south of Battle Mountain, started on June 28 and has burned 479 acres. The fire is currently 60 percent contained and full containment is expected today. The fire was human caused and started at the Mill Creek Campground. One structure within the campground was destroyed and roughly 90 percent was affected by the fire. No one has been injured and no evacuations have taken place.
Currently the BLM Desert Basin Zone has dispatched the following resources to this fire; two hand crews, five engines, one dozer, two water tenders, one type three helicopter, one single engine air tanker and various other air support. Temperatures are expected to range from 87 to 92 degrees and firefighter safety is the primary concern as crews continue to hit hot spots and start mopping up. While there are still roughly 100 firefighters on scene, the Incident Commander may be releasing some of the resources today as the fire reaches containment and control.
“We ask that the public please stay out of the Mill Creek Campground as the damage is being assessed and the area is made safe again,” said Battle Mountain District Manager Doug Furtado. “We are making preparations for repairs and reconstruction in order to restore the area for public use but this process will take some time.”
Furtado added the Mill Creek Campground will not be available for public use for the remainder of the year due to the existing safety concerns.
“The Battle Mountain District has been, and will continue to be in communication with affected grazing permittees, local law enforcement and the surrounding communities of Battle Mountain and Austin,” he said. “We also want to thank the cooperators who responded to the fire and assisted with initial attack.”
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.