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Updates On Oil Well, Long Valley Fires

Reno Fire Department via Twitter
The Long Valley Fire has been burning since Tuesday.

Thursday, 2:51 p.m. update:

Oil Well Fire:

The wind-driven Oil Well Fire east of Elko has burned seven homes in rural Nevada, but three of the structures were uninhabited. Five outbuildings and 16 vehicles also were burned in the blaze. No one was hurt in the fire that broke out in extremely windy conditions Monday afternoon.

The fire charred more than 11 square miles of mostly grass and sagebrush. But there's virtually no fire activity within the perimeter so some of the 350 crew members on the lines may be released to fight other fires.

Acres: 7,400

Containment: 30 percent

Cause: Unknown

Long Valley Fire:

The Long Valley fire is now 57 percent contained, according to the latest estimates from fire officials. The fire, which sparked a week ago just north of Doyle, California has burned more than 83,000 acres, causing voluntary evacuations in the Rancho Haven and Sutcliffe communities earlier this week.

A Red Flag Warning remains in place for much of Northern California and Nevada through tonight. Crews estimate to have the fire fully contained by Sunday.

Acres: 83,733

Containment: 57 percent

Cause: Under Investigation

Wednesday 9:50 a.m. update:

Oil Well Fire:

Authorities in Elko County estimate at least 14 homes were damaged or destroyed by the Oil Well Fire that broke out northeast of Elko Monday, shutting down a stretch of Interstate 80 for several hours.

The blaze has burned nearly 7,500 acres. No serious injuries have been reported.

The fire is estimated at 30 percent containment.

An evacuation center has been set up at Elko High School and local ranchers are helping house displaced livestock in the area.

Acres: 7,466

Containment: 30 percent

Cause: Unknown

Long Valley Fire:

The Long Valley fire is now 40 percent contained, according to the latest estimates from the BLM Nevada. The fire, which sparked a week ago just north of Doyle, California has burned more than 83,000 acres, causing voluntary evacuations in the Rancho Haven and Sutcliffe communities earlier this week. Those evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday.

Nearly 900 personnel and resources are on scene battling the blaze.

The situation remains dynamic and fire officials urge all residents in the area to monitor the situation and prepare to evacuate in case of any sudden changes.

Acres: 83,733

Containment: 57 percent

Cause: Under Investigation

Mile Marker 155 Fire:

Strong winds and hot temperatures have helped the Mile Marker 155 Fire grow southwest of Winnemucca. The blaze is now more than 22,000 acres, and 50 percent contained.  No injuries or damaged structures reported at this time.

Acres: 22,361

Containment: 50 percent

Cause: Unknown

Grass Valley Fire:

The Grass Valley Fire, located 16 miles southeast of Winnemucca, Nevada, is now 45 percent contained and has burned over 11,000 acres.

Tuesday, 5:06 p.m. update:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved federal funds to help battle the Oil Well Fire that has damaged or destroyed an estimated 14 homes near Elko.

The fire broke out northeast of Elko Monday and shut down a stretch of Interstate 80 for several hours. No serious injuries have been reported.

Elko County canceled a civil emergency and lifted evacuation orders Tuesday for the town of Osino and the Whiterock area, straddling the interstate about 90 miles east of the Utah line. I-80 traffic is moving unrestricted in both directions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more than 500 homes were threatened at one time. An evacuation center has been set up at Elko High School and local ranchers are helping house displaced livestock in the area.

The fire has burned more than 11 square miles of brush and rangeland north and east of Elko. It's believed to be human caused because there was no lightning in the area.

The state applied for the federal assistance within hours of when the blaze was reported. It will allow the state to be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the firefighting costs.

Officials with the Elko County Sheriff's Office say the White Rock and Osino areas are now accessible. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

KOLO-TV reports the fire is 30 percent contained at this time.

 

A wildfire burning southwest of Winnemucca in Pershing County has consumed more than 22,000 acres. The so-called Mile Marker 155 Fire is now 50 percent contained. Voluntary evacuations in the area have been lifted.

Forward progression of the Long Valley fire was held overnight.  The evacuation advisory for Sutcliffe has been lifted and Pyramid Highway is now open north of the intersection with Route 446.  Residents living in the fire area should monitor the situation for any changes today.

Fire officials report the situation remains dynamic with a red flag warning will be in place between noon and 8 pm Tuesday.  Strong winds and very low humidity could cause extreme fire behavior.

Helicopters will work closely with ground forces today to construct and improve fire lines. Authorities are asking the public to stay clear of the area.  The fire is now 40 percent contained and has burned over 83,000 acres.

Monday, 5:55 p.m. update:

The Long Valley Fire has burned 83-thousand acres and is causing an evacuation advisory for Sutcliffe. The evacuation center is the Nixon Gym, 301 Hwy 447, Nixon, NV and the fire is 35% contained.

Evacuations have been ordered near Elko, in the Osino and White Rock areas because of smoke and flames from another fire. It's a brush fire called the Oil Well Fire, and it sparked around 1:30 p.m. Monday in Kittredge Canyon.

The Elko Daily Free Press reports the blaze has expanded to about 1,000 acres.

Interstate 80 is closed in both east and west directions, according to the Elko County Sheriff's Office. Frontage Road is also closed. An evacuation site has been set up at the old Elko High School gym for residents along White Rock Road and from Osino.

A wildfire burning southwest of Winnemucca in Pershing County has consumed more than 15-thousand acres and is potentially threatening 150 structures. The so-called Mile Marker 155 Fire is 20 percent contained and voluntary evacuations including

Voluntary evacuations have been expanded and should be considered within the following boundaries: the south boundary is the Jupiter Mine, the north boundary is Logan Road, the west boundary is Dun Glen and the east boundary is Vandiest Road. Mason Road, Harry Road, and Anthony Road are also included. The Pershing County Sheriff Office is advising that people leave the area due to the potential threat of danger. Their number is 775.273.2641.

Monday, 9:55 a.m. update:

An evacuation advisory is in effect for the Sutcliffe community today as the Long Valley Fire continues to grow. 

The evacuation center is the Nixon Gym, 301 Hwy 447. So far, the fire has burned over 77,000 acres and is 35 percent contained. 

There is a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Strong winds and low humidity will cause an increase in fire behavior. 

Fire officials warn the situation can change rapidly and that if you live in the affected fire area please stay alert and be ready to evacuate.

NHP troopers are directing traffic on the Pyramid highway at the junction of SR 446. Use caution and expect delays in the area. 

The Snowstorm Fire is now at 148,000 acres. The fire started Friday in the Humboldt Wilderness Study Area.  The fire is burning in primary sage grouse habitat and the area is also winter range for elk, antelope and deer. Crews expect full containment Monday night.