Perry, Pyramid Lake

Perry, Carson City District, BLM. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (Roide) back to local unit will occur tomorrow. Thirty miles northeast of Reno, NV. Chaparral, brush and short grass. Minimal fire behavior. Energy, communication and sage-grouse habitat threatened. Road closures in effect.

August 5, 2018 at 9:10 AM

Wind gusts of 59 miles per hour were measured near Virginia Peak yesterday. Despite the critical fire weather conditions, the Perry Fire held within existing containment lines. The wind did cause a great deal of blowing ash, smoke, and dust to limit visibility and prevent aircraft operations over the fire. Firefighters spent the day patrolling the perimeter and mopping up any smokes or heat that were visible to prevent any fire spread. Due to the reduced fire activity, crews are no longer working a night shift on the fire.

A more seasonable weather pattern returns today. Temperatures will be slightly cooler with calm winds. Beginning tomorrow, a warming and drying trend will resume.

This will be the final update from Great Basin Incident Management Team #4. If conditions change on the fire, future updates will come from the local land managers. As the team leaves, four fire engines and a helicopter will remain assigned to the Perry Fire. They will continue to monitor the perimeter until the fire is fully contained. Rehabilitation work will occur to reduce the impacts of the fire suppression activities. Utility companies continue to work on repairs necessary to restore services.

Closures: Microwave Road is closed from the junction with Right Hand Canyon. The road will be reopened as soon as safe to do so.

August 3, 2018 at 8:14 AM

The majority of the fire spread continued to be along the ridgeline of Virginia Peak and below to the west. Fire activity has diminished, but strong winds are still expected to impact the fire area later.

August 2, 2018 at 9:16 PM

Temperatures reached 100 degrees and humidity dropped to 6% in some areas. Critical Red Flag fire weather conditions for strong winds are expected again Friday and Saturday. Gusts of up to 45 miles per hour are possible.

August 2, 2018 at 10:25 AM

Fire activity was moderated on the Perry Fire yesterday and anticipated high winds did not materialize.  Fire activity was limited to the high ridge near Virginia Peak and interior islands that posed no threat to the lines.  Firefighters continued to strengthen existing perimeter line by watching for flare ups and responding to extinguish them.  Crews are still assigned to work a night shift on the fire.  Damage assessments on private property and infrastructure are ongoing by authorities; as of this morning, three residences and 15 other structures have been damaged or destroyed.

The Red Flag Warning – an indicator to firefighters of rapid fire growth potential – continues from yesterday due to high temperatures, low relative humidity, atmospheric instability, and strong west winds.  For now, winds have pushed heavy smoke from regional fires out of the valley and improved air quality levels.  The increased visibility has allowed aircraft to be used on the fire more consistently throughout the day.

Evacuations:  Right Hand Fork, Home Ranch, Wilcox and Olinghouse Canyons are still under evacuation notice from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Reference https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/6046/ for a map detailing the existing evacuation area.  For those returning to their homes, exercise caution as equipment will still be in the area and rehabilitation work may be ongoing.

If you have questions regarding evacuations please contact the Washoe County Emergency Services at 775.328.2003 or 311.  The Red Cross is operating an evacuation center at the Ironwood Event Center for evacuees, pets, and livestock.  The Wadsworth Community Center is also open to evacuees and pets (not livestock).  Call the evacuee hotline at 775.741.3564 for details.  Fire managers encourage anyone who lives in rural areas to be prepared for possible wildland fire evacuations.  Visit www.livingwithfire.info for tips on what to take and how to prepare for an evacuation.

Closures:  All highways in the vicinity are open.  Please stay out of the fire area, especially the narrow dirt roads, to allow firefighters to focus on operations and fire equipment to travel safely.

August 1, 2018 at 8:44 PM

Late in the afternoon on Tuesday, the Perry Fire made a run towards Virginia Mountain. Aircraft were used to slow the fire’s spread and protect infrastructure at the peak. Several power poles were damaged and the Incident Management Team is working with utility companies to restore services as soon as it’s safe to work in the fire area. Damage has been confirmed on private property; assessments are ongoing to determine the number and types of structures damaged. Temperatures today will reach nearly 100° and humidity will drop into the single digits. Westerly winds are expected to bring gusts of up to 30 miles per hour. While this should cause the smoke inversion to lift earlier than in previous days, it also prompts a Red Flag Warning, which indicates to firefighters a potential for rapid fire growth. A very light rain did fall in the fire area last night, although it was not measurable, and there is no precipitation in the immediate forecast. Cooler temperatures are expected by the weekend.

July 31, 2018 at 9:35 AM

Yesterday, fire behavior on the Perry Fire was minimal until evening. High temperatures overnight allowed fire to burn actively in Right Hand Fork and Paiute Canyons. Firefighters conducted burnout operations to reduce vegetation ahead of the main fire and connect existing firelines.

Today’s temperatures are expected to near 100 degrees and humidity will fall to single digits. Winds are expected to increase throughout the day. This may clear some of the smoke in the area but will also result in an increase in fire behavior. A fire weather watch is in effect for tomorrow for critical weather conditions conducive to rapid fire growth.

Returning residents to their homes is a priority for fire managers. Evacuated areas will be opened as containment increases around private property.

Today, firefighters will focus efforts north of Home Ranch Canyon and will evaluate the best tactics for limiting fire spread to the south. Fireline is nearly finished between Defiance Creek and Pond Peak. They will continue to patrol portions of the fire that have been contained.

Evacuations: Evacuations have been lifted for areas west of Pasture View Road. All other areas east of Grass Valley Road are still under evacuation notice from Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Ollinghouse Canyon is still evacuated as well. Residents near these areas should be prepared to evacuate if fire behavior increases. Visit www.livingwithfire.info for tips on what to take and how to prepare for an evacuation.

If you have questions regarding evacuations please contact the Washoe County Emergency Services at 775.328.2003 or 311. The Red Cross is operating an evacuation center at the Ironwood Event Center for evacuees, pets, and livestock. The Wadsworth Community Center in Olinghouse is also open to evacuees and pets (not livestock). Call the evacuee hotline at 775.741.3564 for details.

Community Meeting: Great Basin Team 4 and local agency representatives will hold a community meeting tonight to provide residents information and an overview of the fire. For those unable to attend in person, it will also be streamed live on Facebook (@BLMNevada) and Twitter/Periscope (@BLMNV).

WHERE: TMFPD Station 229 – 6015 Ironwood Road, Palomino Valley WHEN: Tuesday, July 31, 7 PM

Closures: There are no highway closures but please drive with lights on for visibility in the heavy smoke. Traffic in canyons adjacent to the fire is a growing concern for firefighters. Please stay out of the fire area so firefighters can focus on operations and to allow f equipment to travel the roads safely.

Fire Investigation: If you saw any vehicles along the Pyramid Lake Highway or have any information to assist local agencies in the fire investigation, please call 775.461.6200.

July 30, 2018 at 9:57 PM

The Perry Fire continues to have rapid rates of spread to the south and southwest. Record dry fuels, intense fuel loading in combination with wind and low humidity are resulting in longer than normal burn periods and erratic fire behavior. Flame lengths as high as 15 feet can be seen spreading down the hill at the top of Right Hand Canyon. Fire crews are prepping to begin burn out operations to the west of Paiute Canyon up Moses Rock Canyon in the Chieftain Drive area to try and tie into the black perimeter to the north. Firefighters will continue operations throughout the night.

Threats to residences in upper Warm Springs Valley, such as those on the Pauite and Right Hand Fork Canyons continue to be a major concern for emergency management and are still under evacuation. However, evacuations have been lifted for areas in the Warm Springs Valley west of Pasture View Road.

Evacuations:  As fire activity increased this evening, Washoe County re-evacuated residents who previously chose to shelter in place. If you have questions regarding evacuations please contact the Washoe County Emergency Services at 775.328.2003. Visit www.livingwithfire.info for tips on what to take and how to prepare for an evacuation.

The Red Cross is operating an evacuation center at the Ironwood Event Center for evacuees, pets, and livestock.  The Wadsworth Community Center in Olinghouse is also open to evacuees and pets (not livestock).  A hotline has been set up for evacuees.  Contact 775.741.3564 for more information.

Community Meeting:  Great Basin Team 4 and local agency representatives will hold a community meeting to provide residents information and an overview of the fire. The meeting will be streamed through Facebook Live (@BLMNevada) and periscope (@blmnv) for those unable to attend in person.
WHERE:  Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station 229 – 6015 Ironwood Road, Palomino Valley
WHEN:  Tuesday, July 31, 7 PM

Closures:  All state highways are open. The number of roads in the area are creating concerns for firefighters who are unable to keep track of people coming or exiting the area. Please stay out of the fire area so firefighters can focus on operations. Firefighter and public safety is the number one concern for fire managers.

Fire Investigation:  If you saw any vehicles along the Pyramid Lake Highway or have any information to assist local agencies in the fire investigation, please call 775.831.0351.

July 30, 2018 at 12:23 PM

A Type 2 Incident Management Team arrived in Nixon yesterday and took command of the Perry Fire this morning.  Heavy smoke from regional fires limited fire activity through much of the day yesterday.  Late in the afternoon, fire behavior increased and caused the fire to spread to the south and east.  Firefighters worked through the night as warm temperatures and low relative humidity caused the fire to burn actively.

Today, continued hot and dry conditions will prevail.  Winds are expected to be light.  As the fire burns downhill into more even terrain, firefighters and equipment have easier access to the fire perimeter and can increase containment.  At this time, the northwestern corner of the fire area is contained.  Firefighters continue to patrol the area.

Community Meeting:  Great Basin Team 4 and local agency representatives will hold a community meeting to provide residents an overview of the current and predicted fire activity.

WHERE:  TMFPD Station 229 – 6015 Ironwood Road, Palomino Valley

WHEN:  Tuesday, July 31, 7 PM

Evacuations:  Residents east of Grass Valley Road and in Quaking Aspen, Wilcox, and Olinghouse Canyons have been evacuated by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Residents bordering those areas should be prepared to evacuate if fire behavior increases.  Visit www.livingwithfire.info for tips on what to take and how to prepare for an evacuation.

The Ironwood Event Center is open to evacuees, pets, and livestock.  The Wadsworth Community Center in Olinghouse is also open to evacuees and pets (not livestock).  A hotline has been set up for evacuees.  Contact 775.741.3564 for more information.

Closures:  State Route 446 was reopened to traffic last night.  Motorists should drive slowly and cautiously with lights on.  Large fire equipment will be traveling the roadways, and continued smoke impacts are likely.  Delays and additional closures are possible with increased fire activity.
There is not an area closure at this time.  Please stay out of the fire area.  Firefighter and public safety is the number one concern for fire managers.

Fire Investigation:  The cause of the Perry Fire is still under investigation.  If you have any information to assist local agencies in determining the cause, please call 775.831.0351.

July 29, 2018 at 8:50 PM

The Northern Nevada Red Cross has established an evacuation hotline for the Perry Fire (775-741-3564). Evacuations remain in place. More evacuations are possible, and road closures are in place in both directions for Highway 446 Sunday.

The shelter at Ironwood Event Center at 5600 Whiskey Springs Road remains open to people and livestock. A map is attached, the area within the green circle represents properties north of Whiskey Springs Rd that were evacuated Saturday night and remain under evacuation. Residents in the yellow boundary should be prepared to evacuate should conditions worsen. The green/yellow boundary represents Whiskey Springs Rd. Areas in yellow are east of Grass Valley to Wildhorse.

Aviation and ground forces continue working the fire, which was manually estimated at 25,600 acres and 15% containment. A flyover has not been possible due to visibility to confirm acreage. No structures have been lost, one vehicle has burned, and no injuries have occurred. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Road closures were put in place in both directions on Highway 446 between Highways 445 and 447 today due to the fire’s proximity to the roadway. Beachgoers are asked to avoid the following beaches; Tamarack, Indian Head, Blockhouse, Sandhole and Rawhide due to traffic issues. Drivers should be aware that water tenders and other large pieces of equipment have limited visibility and do not have the maneuverability to avoid accidents that passenger vehicles do. Firefighter and public safety continue to be the team’s highest priority.

The National Weather Service has predicted hot, dry weather that may increase fire activity this week with winds similar to those experienced Saturday afternoon.

July 29, 2018 at 11:16 AM

The Perry Fire transitioned to the Sierra Front Team at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Another transition to a Great Basin Type 2 Team is planned for July 30, 2018. Evacuations remain in place, and road closures are in place in both directions along Highway 446 today.

Aviation and ground forces continue working the fire, which was mapped Saturday afternoon at 11,200 acres. The fire continued to grow due to winds and limited access Saturday afternoon and overnight. The fire is currently estimated to be at 18,000 acres and 15% containment. A flyover will confirm acreage later Sunday morning. Evacuations remain in place and the shelter at Ironwood Event Center at 5600 Whiskey Springs Road remains open to people and livestock. No structures have been lost, one vehicle has burned, and no injuries have occurred. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Road closures were put in place in both directions on Highway 446 between Highways 445 and 447 today due to the fire’s proximity to the roadway. Drivers should be aware that water tenders and other large pieces of equipment have limited visibility, and do not have the maneuverability to avoid accidents that passenger vehicles do. Firefighter and public safety continue to be the team’s highest priority.

The National Weather Service has predicted hot, dry weather that may increase fire activity this week with winds similar to those experienced Saturday afternoon.

July 28, 2018 at 9:16 PM

Evacuation center for people evacuating from the Perry Fire has been moved from Shaw Middle School to the Ironwood Events Center on Whiskey Springs Road

July 28, 2018 at 9:11 PM

Resources from Bureau of Land Management and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District responded to a new start approximately five miles south of Sutcliffe, near Pyramid Lake, on Friday evening. The Perry Fire was detected around 5:00 p.m. on Friday July 27 and is burning in the northern part of the Pah Rah Range, east of Hwy 445 in Washoe County, Nev. The fire is burning on public and private lands, including land within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s Reservation.

Very active fire behavior was observed overnight and today. The fire is estimated to be approximately 11,200 acres. Fire crews and dozers worked through the night and today to secure fire lines on the north end of the fire and slow the fire’s growth east. Firefighters, dozers and aircraft are working to slow the fire’s spread and anchor the fire lines. Steep terrain and limited access are posing challenges to fire line construction on the southern portion of the fire.

Approximately 20 homes have been threatened and evacuations have been put in place at the Grass Valley Road and Whiskey Springs Area. Evacuation centers have been setup at Shaw Middle School at 600 Eagle Canyon, and Ironwood Event Center at 5600 Whiskey Springs Road for animals. Evacuations are also in place for several beaches at Pyramid Lake. Additional evacuations, if necessary, would be coordinated through Truckee Meadows and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and would utilize the reverse 911 system. The Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center is not currently threatened.

Stephenson’s Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team will be assuming control of the fire at 0600 on July 29. There are approximately 95 people assigned to the fire, with additional resources en route. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This is a 3-hour timelapse from the Alert Tahoe camera on Virginia Peak showing the extremely active Perry Wildfire just southwest of Pyramid Lake. Our thoughts are with firefighters and those impacted by this devastating blaze! Similar weather expected next few days on the fire. pic.twitter.com/t7KFOgdMTv

— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) July 29, 2018