Gardnerville Bison Fire July 4, 2013
There is a diminishing threat to about 20 residences (voluntary evacuations in effect) west of the fire as crews and equipment construct handlines to contain the fire to the Pinenut Creek area. The fire has moved NE and crossed over the crest of the Pine Nut Range in three spots. Water-dropping helicopters stopped two of the smaller of the slopovers on 7/6, and the more northern slopover is at 60+ acres on 7/7. Contingency plans are in place for positioning of both air and ground resources should the fire move farther east.
A portable Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) base has been establishing at the Minden/Tahoe Airport in Douglas County to service up to seven SEAT aircraft working the fire. Four Type 1 heavy air tankers are operating out of the Stead Airport west of Reno. There are also eight helicopters of varying sizes and capabilities dropping water on hotspots, providing medical evacuation if necessary, etc.
The Great Basin Type II Team (IC Whalen) assumed command of the fire on Sunday, July 7 at 6:00 a.m. The Incident Command Post is located at the Douglas County Fairground east of Gardnerville.
Bison Fire Tuesday July 9, 2013 (4868) The small area of grass at the fairgrounds was full of tents for the firefighters. Several firefighters were sleeping in the shade where they could find it. Here two firefighters were sleeping on the grass on their backs. One had their uniform pants on and barefoot the other was in shorts. The one in shorts had just got up when I took the photo. Behind them is the flagpole with the American and Nevada State flags being whipped in strong winds which were also accelerating the fire in the mountains far behind.
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