Air Resources Attack Douglas County Nevada Wildfire
By Jack Freer  |  Posted July 7, 2013  |  Gardnerville, Nevada

CNN PRODUCER NOTE     Desert Fog captured photos at the Minden-Tahoe airport where planes and helicopters were operating 9 miles from the wildfire that is burning in Douglas County, Nevada, on July 6. ‘The Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center reports as of 9:30 a.m. the fire is 30% contained and is still threatening dispersed residential homes. The voluntary evacuation of these residences remains in place,’ he said.

– Jareen, CNN iReport producer

The Bison fire burning 5 miles east of Gardnerville, Nevada since 3:30 p.m. July 4 has exhibited highly active fire behavior the last two days. The fire double crested the Pine Nut Mountains and is now burning on both sides of the range.

A portable Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) base has been established at the Minden-Tahoe airport 9 miles from the fire to service five of the single engine aircraft working the incident. Two Cal Fire S-2 air tankers are operating out of the Stead Air Tanker Base 50 miles north of the fire.

Today aviation resources enhanced ground resource efforts in the line construction securing the southwest flank and reducing fire movement to the east and preventing any strong pushes to the east as well. Tomorrow air and ground resources will continue to attack and anchor the flank of the fire.

The fire has grown to 6,330 acres and is threatening dispersed residential homes. Pine Nut Road at Out-R-Way has been closed to nonresidents until further notice.

Fire officials continue to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Washoe Tribe as significant cultural resources are threatened. Nevada Department of Wildlife is also being consulted due to the severe threat the fire is posing to extremely critical Sage Grouse habitat in the Pine Nut Mountains.

No Injuries have been reported and no structures have been lost. The fire is reported to be 30% contained and is being fought by 405 fire personnel, 7 air tankers, 3 helicopters, 16 hand crews, 21 engines, 5 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Due to the size and complexity of the fire a Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team will take over command at 6 a.m. Sunday, July 7.

The fire started July 4 at 3:30 p.m. after the National Weather Service issued warnings of severe thunderstorms and lightning in the area.

Briefing information was provided by Elayn Briggs, Center Information Officer and Mark Struble, Public Information Officer, with the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center in Minden, Nevada.

Fire Photo Gallery