LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Wildfires burning in the region continued to challenge firefighters as crews worked to gain ground on multiple incidents amid drought conditions and critically dry fuels.
The Parsnip Peak Fire grew significantly Saturday and is now estimated to be more than 3,000 acres with 0% containment. Winds pushed the fire to the northeast throughout the day. The fire is burning in the remote Parsnip Peak Wilderness Area, where steep, rugged terrain limits access to helicopters. Strong winds prevented helicopter crew insertions yesterday. With improved weather conditions expected today, Incident Command and Operations personnel are scouting for safe firefighter insertion locations. Fire managers anticipate inserting helitack crews and smokejumpers tomorrow to begin constructing control lines.
The Dry Canyon Fire was estimated at 1,705 acres and 10% contained. Firefighters continued progress yesterday establishing handline and dozer-constructed control lines around the fire perimeter. After the fire ignited Friday afternoon, crews worked through the night constructing dozer line, helping limit fire growth during Saturday’s extreme fire weather conditions. Today, crews will continue constructing and strengthening control lines while securing completed sections. Firefighters will also continue mop-up operations, extinguishing remaining heat and burning material near containment lines to reduce the potential for fire spread…