Earthstone, Sparks NV

Earthstone, Sparks Fire Department. IMT 2 (Chadwick). IMT is also managing the Truckee and Winnemucca Ranch fires. Started on private land five miles northeast of Sparks, NV. Brush and short grass. Minimal fire behavior.

July 10, 2017 at 8:04 AM

No new growth expected. Mop-up and patroling will continue on areas of concern. Containment was not reached due to initial attack activity within the IA responsibility area of the Team.

July 8, 2017 at 9:46 AM

Potential exists for fire spread to the Northeast and east due to fuel loads and weather influences.

July 7, 2017 at 2:30 PM

Crews have worked hard to secure fire line around the southwest edge of the fire. They will continue to patrol and mop up within the fire. Most of the active burning now exists in the northeast portion of the fire toward Pond Peak. Fire resources will continue to mop up hot spots near structures in the communities of Olinghouse and Wadsworth and secure line around the fire in the northeast where the fire is most active.

July 7, 2017 at 7:42 AM

Increase in acreage due to more accurate mapping.

Projected activity:

12 hours: Fire moving to the northeast and east due to topography and weather.
24 hours: Potential spread to the northeast and east.
48 hours: Fire could continue to spread with fuel loadings and weather.
72 hours: Potential moderate spread.

July 6, 2017 at 9:30 AM

Witnesses have stated that a small black or bluish two-door vehicle was seen traveling west on Earthstone Drive just before the brush fire started (approximately 1,000 feet from where the fire started). There were two males (unknown race or color) in the vehicle, and one was wearing a hat.

If the public has any information regarding a vehicle with this description in that area on July 3rd between 1:00 pm – 1:30pm, please contact Sparks Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshal Chris McCubbins at 775-353-1658.

July 5, 2017 at 8:20 PM

The Earthstone Fire is now estimated to have burned 26,785 acres and is currently 30% contained. A flyover this morning provided more accurate mapping of the fire and the updated acreage estimate.

The fire continues to burn in dry grassy fuels, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed control of operations and brought in additional resources, including two fire engine strike teams, to allow the releasing of some local fire crews to return to their home districts. A Type 2 Incident Management Team remains scheduled to assume command of the incident on Thursday morning.

Three additional fixed wing aircraft, including one Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT), made retardant drops today. Two Super Scooper air craft, requested from Alaska, are still on order and may arrive as early as Friday, bringing the total number of aircraft on the incident to 18.

Currently, there is no immediate threat to structures; however, residents of the Wadsworth area are encouraged to remain vigilant for the possibility of evacuation and complete their preparations as the head of the fire is now about 10 miles west of the town. Impacts to I-80 are expected in the vicinity of the USA Parkway within the next 24 hours. For current road conditions, please call 5-1-1 or visit www.NVRoads.com.

July 5, 2017 at 9:07 AM

The Earthstone Fire is now at 25,000 acres and is currently 20% contained. A flyover is scheduled this morning which will provide updated acreage and more accurate mapping.

The fire is burning in dry grassy fuels, and growth of the fire has been driven by dry fuels in the area more so than by the wind. The cause of the fire is presumed human caused as there were no power lines or lightning in the area and remains under investigation.

Firefighters continue to battle the fire; however air support is crucial due to the difficult terrain, much of which is inaccessible by ground crews. A transfer of command occurred this morning, Wednesday July 5, 2017 at 6:00a.m. A delegation of authority from BLM and Sparks Fire moved command to the Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Stacy Saucedo. Saucedo’s team will assume operations and bring in additional resources to allow the local fire crews to focus protection efforts on their home districts. The complexity of the fire conditions in addition to a forecast of dry lightning throughout this week and next, have prompted the request of a Type 2 Incident Management Team, scheduled to assume command on Thursday morning.

In addition to the 170 personnel engaged in this incident, three additional fixed wing air craft and one VLAT are scheduled to join the battle today, and two Super Scooper air craft, requested from Alaska, may arrive as soon as Friday bringing the total number of air craft to 18. An additional hotshot crew is on order, as well as three more Strike Teams.

Currently, there is no immediate threat to structures, and there are no impacts to I-80.