LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Multiple fire departments from Southern Nevada have mobilized and deployed to assist local crews battling dozens of lightning-sparked wildfires raging across Elko County and Northern Nevada.
Recent severe storms have ignited numerous brush fires throughout the region, threatening communities in Elko, Wells, and Spring Creek. Among the most critical blazes is the Oxley Fire burning just outside of Wells, Nevada, which has grown to 11,300 acres and is currently only 5% contained.
At the same time, regional crews are battling the Hawk Fire near Reno, which has exceeded 15,000 acres and is 85% contained. The Hawk Fire has destroyed about 50 homes and other structures, and evacuation orders remain in effect for nearby communities.
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In response to the threats, a multi-agency strike team has been dispatched from Southern Nevada. The group includes firefighters and resources from Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, the Clark County Fire Department, the Henderson Fire Department, the North Las Vegas Fire Department, the Boulder City Fire Department, the Elko Fire Department, and Nevada Task Force 1 with a communications van.
The deployed specialized regional task force includes:
- Two battalion chiefs
- Five engines
- Two water tenders
- One mechanic
- One communications technician
This deployment comes as Southern Nevada departments are already facing depleted resources following efforts at the Bug Fire and the Stallion Fire earlier this month.
Among those deployed is a four-man detachment from the Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) that left at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday. The crew is assigned to the Oxley Fire near Wells while also supporting crews fighting the Hawk Fire. The BCFD deployment includes:
- Captain Aaron Bleck
- Engineer Justin Clift
- Firefighter Dominic Mirjanian
- Firefighter Colton Dody
“When I asked our firefighters for volunteers, I immediately had far more replies to assist than what was requested,” Boulder City Fire Chief Kenneth Morgan said. “This deployment will be roughly two weeks, and our team will keep us updated on the efforts being made. It’s a great crew, and I know they’ll make Boulder City proud of their work.”
The team is expected to arrive in the Wells/Elko area on Wednesday afternoon.
The multi-agency deployment is expected to last up to 14 days, answering 911 calls across Elko County and reinforcing emergency response partnerships statewide.
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