A fire south of Ely is now 8,782 acres after better mapping, increasing its containment to 5%.
The Ward Fire began on July 31st near Ward Mountain, and is burning in sagebrush, pinyon‑juniper, and mixed conifer fuels in steep and rugged terrain.
Fire crews say they will continue strengthening and securing containment lines on the southeastern perimeter, anchoring the fire and constructing contingency lines with heavy equipment. Crews will continue working north along a powerline corridor, removing brush and trees with masticators and scouting ahead to tie in with retardant lines. Aerial resources will continue to support firefighters on the ground, securing the perimeter with water and retardant drops to strengthen containment lines.
Firefighters say they made good progress on Sunday as established containment lines held despite strong winds testing the fire's perimeter. Dozers, engines, helitack, hand crews, and Hotshot crews will continue strengthening containment lines and conducting burnout operations where conditions allow to remove unburned fuels ahead of the fire.
Nearly 300 personnel are working the fire, including the Nevada National Guard that were initially activated last week for the Secret Pass Fire east of Elko and Spring Creek. A couple days into the Secret Pass Fire, the Gaurd says it was deemed necessary to move assets to the Ward Fire about nine miles south of Ely.
There's no immediate word on a full containment date, or why it started.
