Wildfires continue to burn in eastern rural Nevada

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The 2,300-acre Sampson Fire, about 60 miles northeast of Ely, Nev., was 70-percent contained as of July 30.

Five firefighters continued to secure and mop-up the fire perimeter and began rehabilitating dozer line and other suppression-related resource damage.

The fire, of unknown origin,? was first reported at about 4 p.m., Thursday, July 24. The fire burned in pinion-juniper, in priority sage-grouse habitat,and burned into the Becky Peak Wilderness. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ely District responded with a full-suppression strategy. The BLM was assisted by the White Pine County Fire Protection District.

In the meantime, the Bear Trap Fire, located 40 miles southwest of Lund, listed at 10,612? acres, was 60 percent contained as of July 30, and the fire behavior had been? moderated due to some rainfall measured at between a quarter to 1/10 of an inch.

A small spot fire was reported near Sutter?s Canyon, but quickly contained Monday. However, some smoke continues to be visible in Currant, Sunnyside, Lund and Railroad Valley due to southern winds.?

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Ely Ranger District-managed fires remain within Forest Service boundaries. These lightning-ignited fires do not pose a threat to human life or property.

Efforts during the week by the 395 personnel on scene included securing the heel of the fire, improving dozer line and assessing for direct suppression potential or controlled burn.

As conditions improved, about 100 of the fire personnel were released to other assignments.?

Incident Commander John Kidd said he was grateful for any help they may get from the weather. ?We will take advantage of the window of opportunity of decreased temperatures and increased humidity to continue progress on the eastern and northern portions of the fire.? Resources include three Type 1 crews, three Type 2 crews, seven engines, five water tenders, four dozers, three? helicopters and two air attack platforms. ? ?

To date four minor structures (historic corrals) have been destroyed and two are threatened. Cost to date is $1,200,000. ?

For more information on the Bear Trap Fire contact Kirsten Cannon, Team 4 Information Officer, 702-595-2034.