Ward Fire reaches 27% and 8,775 acres containment; LV firefighters work on remote areas
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Firefighters are making progress on the Ward Fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service in the Ely Ranger District.
The Ward Fire is in the northeastern part of Nevada, just nine miles south of Ely.
An update from the department says the fire is now 27% with 8,775 acres contained as of 9 a.m. Thursday.
Firefighters made progress in containing the south and west flanks. Firefighting aircraft are said to continue supporting ground crews with targeted water drops.
The U.S. Forest Service says the fire remains in the Lowery Canyon, where the steep and rugged terrain makes it challenging for firefighters.
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The department says 500 personnel were sent out to battle the fire, including firefighters from the Las Vegas valley who began work on Monday.
Southern Nevada firefighters in the strike team also began to preplan the remote areas most likely impacted by the growth of the Ward Fire by locating neighborhoods without fire hydrant systems, meeting residents, and doing defensible space/home hardening inspections, according to Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Brian O'Neal.
Evacuations are still at Level 1-Ready, and residents are advised to continue monitoring for updates on the Humboldt-Toiyabe Facebook page.
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