Ward Fire update

According to a Ward Fire incident update, the Ward Fire has blacked 8,683 acres and it 83 percent contained.

According to the update, the fire was caused by lightning July 31.

Here’s the update
Eastern Nevada Interagency Incident Management Team assumes control of Ward Fire

Operational update
The Eastern Nevada Interagency Management Team, Incident Commander Kemper assumed control of the Ward Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. A sincere thank- you to California Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 8. We appreciate the leadership, professionalism, and commitment you brought to the incident and the community.

Yesterday evening, an infared flight over the fire area showed isolated heat in narrow strips of trees well interior to the line. Infrared flights support fire operations by collecting heat signatures and data on fire activity. The data helps fire managers better understand fire behavior, identify areas of heat, and supports operational planning.

In Lowry Canyon, crews will continue line construction assisted by aerial resources where terrain is difficult to access. Crews are securing all dozer line, adding depth to the northwest in Division Zulu. Mastication activities are continuing north of the fire to improve defensible space near the community and near Ward Mountain Campground.

Resource advisors are identifying locations where water bars will be installed. Waterbars are used on roads, trails and dozer lines to control water runoff and prevent erosion.

Weather
Today the weather forecast is expected to bring monsoonal moisture bringing afternoon thunderstorms and rain over the next few days. Temperatures will be cooler with increasing relative humidity.

Forest closure
A fire area closure was reduced yesterday to the footprint of the Ward Fire.

Help our firefighters by staying out of the closure. Area closures help protect the public and give firefighters the space they need to do their work.