UPDATE: A safety team is recommending improvements in communication tactics and training in the wake of a state wildlife helicopter crash that sparked a northern Nevada wildfire that severely burned two volunteer firefighters trying to rescue the crash victims.
The joint state-U.S. interagency team reviewing the Aug. 18 Sheep Creek Fire north of Battle Mountain said in a report made public Friday the rescue was hampered by the complexity of the response to the multi-jurisdictional incident.
It cites the failure to establish a unified command to oversee divergent radio frequencies and the lack of standards for volunteer firefighters' use of emergency protective gear and fire shelters.
The report notes that while the volunteer chief and a rookie firefighter injured had their personal protective equipment in their truck, neither had them on when flames burned over the fire engine.
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UPDATE: The Sheep Creek Fire, that was burning 15 miles north of Battle Mountain, is now 100% contained at 59,789 acres.
The fire sparked on Saturday, August 18th, around the same time a helicopter crashed and injured three people. At this time, it is unknown if the two are connected and the cause of the wildfire is still being investigated.
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Original Story: The FAA is investigating a helicopter crash that injured three people north of Battle Mountain on Saturday. A 59,742-acre wildfire is burning in the same area. It's now 90% contained.
The FAA says a Bell B206 helicopter crashed around 2 p.m. about 15 miles north of Battle Mountain on Saturday.
Authorities say that three people were onboard. BLM officials say that two of them are employees of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).
The pilot and one of the NDOW biologists suffered minor injuries and the other biologist has injuries to their neck and back.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the crash.
The BLM says that there was a wildfire reported also 15 miles north of Battle Mountain, however, at this time it is unknown if the two are connected.
During the response, an engine from the Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was burned over injuring two firefighters. They are now at a burn center, but their status is unknown.
“This situation highlights the dangers faced by all partners and agencies who assist with battling wildfires,” said acting BLM Nevada State Director Mike Courtney.
There's no evacuations or closures at this time.
Crews estimate to have the wildfire fully contained by August 23rd.
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Battle Mountain High School at 425 Weaver Street.
