Cherry Fire Update: September 3

Cherry Fire Grows to 4,000 Acres in White Pine County

Elko, NV., Sept. 3, 2019 – The Cherry Fire, located in White Pine County 50 miles south of Elko, Nevada, is actively burning and has grown to approximately 4,000 acres. The fire was reported yesterday just before 1 p. m. and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Nevada Type 3 Team 1 (Hect) will be taking over command of the fire tomorrow morning. Additional air and ground resources have been ordered and firefighters will continue direct attack whenever possible around the fire perimeter, perform point protection, support retardant line from fixed wing aircraft, and utilize helicopters to slow the rate of fire spread. The fire is currently has no containment.

The fire burned actively to the north last night, and firefighters experienced extreme fire behavior into the evening hours. The fire’s higher elevations received some precipitation late in the evening, though other areas of the fire did not receive the same moisture.

Thunderstorms are forecasted this week, with the potential for strong, gusty winds and dry lightning that could pose a concern to containment efforts. Recreationists should remember the following safety tips when outdoors during a thunderstorm:

• If possible, take shelter in an enclosed building or automobile. Remain there for at least 30 minutes after the storm passes.

• Get out of boats and away from bodies of water.

• Get low to the ground. Avoid open spaces, and isolated objects.

• If you see a new fire start, be sure to call 911 and report it.

No road closures or evacuations are currently in effect, but the fire poses a threat to multiple area ranches, as well as active grazing allotments, sage grouse nesting habitats, and dispersed camping areas. Please avoid the fire area if possible.