UPDATE - SEPT 4:
The McConnell Fire has reached 81% containment after firefighters reported minimal activity Thursday, with only a few isolated areas of smoldering.
According to BLM Nevada in an online post, the fire has burned 33,231 acres and has 421 personnel assigned to it. The fire started August 25 and was caused by lightning.
Crews will continue patrolling, mopping up and securing remaining portions of the fire, particularly in areas where pockets of heat remain. As containment increases, some resources are being released and suppression repair is underway.
Local resource advisors are inspecting areas affected by suppression activities and identifying repairs needed to help restore those areas to pre-suppression conditions.
Cool, moist conditions are expected to continue Friday, with periods of rain and temperatures generally in the 50s. Higher humidity and additional chances for moisture through the weekend are expected to keep fire activity minimal.
Evacuation zones established in and around areas of the fire were updated by Humboldt County officials Thursday. Two zones have been reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready.” The most current evacuation information can be found at perimetermap.com/humboldt.
The closure area for the McConnell Fire in the Santa Rosa Ranger District has been scaled back. Hinkey Summit Road, Lye Creek Campground and Buckskin Road are back open.
Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place across the region. For details, visit nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions.
(BLM Nevada contributed to this story update.)
UPDATE - SEPT 3:
Firefighters say they're making good progress on the McConnell fire. The blaze is currently 58% contained and has burned 32,926 acres.
Additional containment was added along the eastern portion of the fire, where much of the fires edge is now cold.
Crews say they also successfully completed firing operations along the ridgeline near the South Fork of McConnell Creek.
Today, firefighters will continue securing and mopping up completed fireline while working through rugged terrain near Cottonwood Creek and toward Santa Rosa Peak.
Fire activity is expected to remain low, primarily consisting of smoldering and occasional creeping.
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 32,851 acres and was 46% contained Tuesday. The fire was caused by lightning and 391 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. Cooler and more humid conditions are expected Wednesday with temperatures dropping 10 to 12 degrees and daytime humidity increasing into the 20% range. Southwest winds may gust around 30 mph. Light showers are possible Wednesday and Thursday with the best chance for precipitation Thursday night into Friday.
Evacuation zones established in and around areas of the Fire were updated by the Humboldt County officials yesterday. The areas of Paradise Valley and Orovada have been reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” and the sections C9, C10, and C11 are in Level 2 “Get Set”. Sections B9 and B10 remain in Level 1 “Get Ready” status.
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, 10 engines and four 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
