Containment on the Mahogany Fire increased to 64% on Thursday as firefighters and aviation resources took advantage of weather conditions to conduct aerial water drops to suppress hotspots and continued construction of containment lines. There are 396 personnel assigned to the fire.

 

Crews continue to construct handline around the fire while six helicopters perform bucket drops to help cool hot spots. Crews working on the southeast side of the fire spend the nights near the fireline. This reduces the need for them to hike long distances and provides more time for them to construct fireline. Helicopters provide support by flying in food and water. Firefighters encounter steep and rocky terrain as they construct line along the flanks of the fire increasing safety concerns for stable footing and exposure.

 

Firefighters will be on the lookout for increased afternoon winds and dropping relative humidity that could increase fire behavior. Unburned areas combined with upslope winds and steep terrain could produce short uphill runs of fire, however, sparse fuels will help to limit fire spread.

 

As traffic increases over the holiday weekend, fire officials ask the public to be aware of crews working in the area and watch for fire vehicles on the road. As of 6:00 a.m. today, closures include SR-158/Deer Creek Rd and SR-156/Lee Canyon Rd in both directions west of SR-158/Deer Creek on Mount Charleston, Clark County Nevada. Closures are likely to remain through the weekend for public and firefighter safety. The public is asked to avoid the area around the fire if possible.