Wildfires Emerge in Nevada Due to Intense Heat Wave
Due to the intense heat wave that is lording over Western United States, two wildfires have been ignited in Nevada and firefighters are nowhere near in containing the fire. One wildfire emerged from the northern part of the state while the other is in southern Nevada.
The catastrophe led to a fire area of about 24 square miles in Mount Charleston near Las Vegas which forced about 500 people to evacuate. Meanwhile, the fire in southern Nevada has spread to a 27-square-mile area over the Pine Nut Mountains near Reno.
According to US Forest Service Spokesperson Jay Nichols, around 750 firefighters and 18 Hotshot teams were tasked to contain the Mount Charleston fire. The wildfire is called Carpenter 1 and it is considered a priority due to the possible structures that it can damage. To monitor the developments, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval went to the command post of the firefighters and applied for federal aid for the disaster.
The wildfire broke on the 1st of July to the west of Mount Charleston and it quickly engulfed reachable terrains. No injuries and burned structures have been reported as of late but officials estimate that putting up the fire already costs $2.4 million. This wildfire created a smoke that was seen from Las Vegas which triggered the Clark County Department of Air Quality to release a health advisory.
Due to the rapid movement of the fire, residents in reachable areas like Harris Springs and Trout have been evacuated in some schools in nearby Pahrump and Las Vegas. Meanwhile, residents of a correctional youth camp have also been taken out of harm's way. State highways 156 and 157 were also declared impassable.
Triple-digit temperatures are of normal occurrence in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas. However, Mount Charleston's temperature is lower which makes it a popular destination during summer. While peak temperatures at morning are expected to decrease, blowing winds and humidity can keep the fire going.
Meanwhile, the fire near the Pine Nut Mountains is tagged as the Bison Fire and it is spreading through the areas of Lyon and Douglas. The fire easily went on through dry trees and forests to devastate a total area of 17,500 acres. Because of which, roads going to Carson City have been closed for safety. More than 700 firefighters are working to contain this wildfire which was also fuelled by strong winds. However, no homes have been reported to be lost to the fire.
This wildfire comes after another catastrophic occurrence in Yarnell, Arizona wherein 19 firefighters between the ages of 21 to 43 perished despite having temporary shelter. While the Yarnell wildfire is close to being contained, other firefighters that helped in that area were now making their way to Nevada. Aside from the grounds crew, helicopters, air tankers and fire retardant bombers have been deployed to help stop the wildfire.
The Nevada wildfire is brought by the massive heat wave that has cast its spell over the Western United States. Triple-digit temperatures have been recorded in areas like Arizona, Nevada, Utah and California. Record-high temperatures have also been logged in Death Valley which is considered the hottest spot in the United States. Meanwhile, the federal government said that they will reimburse 75 percent of the total expenses used to put down the Nevada wildfires.