Nevada Wildfires 2013 Update: Bison Fire Sparks State of Emergency (VIDEO, MAP)
Nevada wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the region, and in particular the Bison Fire has caused extensive damage and has now resulted in officials declaring a state of emergency.
The Bison Fire broke out on July 4 following what is thought to have been a lightning strike about five miles east of Gardnerville, along the western slope of the Pinenut Mountain Range in Douglas County. Over the past week the fires has continued to burn out of control, and by Tuesday July 9, the fire had consumed more than 25,000 acres.
Official have confirmed that the wildfire is about 25 percent contained, but it may not be until Sunday before full containment is achieved.
Although the fire has continued to increase in size on Tuesday morning, firefighters have reported significant progress in getting the fire under control.
The Bison Fire has been made worse through timber including pinyon and juniper in the area. In addition, high winds and limited humidity have made matters worse, and on Monday alone the fire nearly doubled in size from Sunday.
Fire Information Officer Dorothy Harvey said, "There is no comparison [to recent fires in this area]. The winds have been erratic. The fire has been erratic ... usually fires [in this area] last two or three days. This one keeps growing."
It has been reported that more than 700 firefighters have been drafted into the area to fight the Bison wildfire, and additional crews have been making their way into the region.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has declared a State of Emergency for the Bison Fire, which will allow the County to request additional State resources and assistance.
Federal assistance may also be made available should the Governor deem a State of Emergency for the State of Nevada.
Here is video footage of the Bison Fire causing havoc and destruction in Nevada:
