UPDATE - SEPT 1:
Firefighters have now contained the entire western flank of the McConnell Fire as crews turn their attention to strengthening lines on the northern and eastern sides ahead of stronger winds.
According to BLM Nevada in an online post, the fire had grown to 32,648 acres and was 40% contained Tuesday. The fire was caused by lightning and 378 personnel are assigned to it.
Crews established new containment along the northwest side Monday, completing containment of the western flank. On Tuesday, firefighters planned to build more fireline directly along the eastern edge where possible while continuing to patrol existing lines.
On the north and east sides, crews are using both direct and indirect fireline construction. Firefighters are also checking burned areas for remaining heat and extinguishing hot spots along containment lines.
Three hotshot crews remain on the southeast side, where steep, rugged terrain requires crews to build fireline farther from the fire's edge. One hotshot crew was expected to be flown into the southernmost portion of the eastern flank Tuesday and camp there for several days because of the remote location. Australian fire crews are also working with hotshot crews along the northern and eastern edges.
Most fire activity remains near Santa Rosa Peak, with additional activity expected in the McConnell Creek drainage north of Horse Canyon Ridge. Active fire behavior on the southeast side Monday produced visible smoke as crews worked with support from aircraft dropping water.
Southwest winds are expected to strengthen Tuesday afternoon, bringing elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions. Strong winds are expected to continue through Thursday.
Humboldt County officials are expected to update the Level 1 "Get Ready" and Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation zones around Orovada and Paradise Valley Tuesday afternoon.
All National Forest lands, roads and trails east of Hinkey Summit Road #50084 within the Santa Rosa Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest remain closed. Stage 1 fire restrictions also remain in effect across the region.
The fire response includes 11 crews, eight helicopters, 13 engines and five dozers.
(BLM Nevada contributed to this story.)
ORIGINAL STORY - AUG 30:
The McConnell Fire burning in northeastern Nevada has grown to 32,568 acres since starting August 25.
The fire, about 3 miles northwest of Orovada, saw some growth Saturday, with the most active fire behavior reported on the northeast and southeast flanks.
Fire crews were able to respond to the active areas, using helicopter bucket drops along with completed hand and dozer lines to continue working toward containing the fire perimeter.
Crews are now focused on strengthening containment lines and building contingency lines along the northern and eastern sides of the fire.
The fire is currently 36% contained.
Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation zones have been established in and around areas of Orovada and Paradise Valley. The most current evacuation information can be found at perimetermap.com/humboldt
