Mahogany Fire Update

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, July 7, 8 a.m. • Acres: 2,758 • Location: Near Mahogany Grove Campground between Kyle and Lee Canyon • Start Date: June 28th • Cause: Human • Containment: 98% • Personnel: 216

Las Vegas, NV, July 7, 2020 Yesterday, crews assigned to the Mahogany Fire extinguished hot spots, worked on securing the remaining section of uncontrolled line, and implemented rehabilitation of cold fire line. Rehabilitation work is designed to mitigate land disturbances caused by suppression activities. Crews constructed water bars, a deep trench constructed of dirt and logs, to prevent soil erosion along handlines in steep areas of the fire. Once the water bars are in place crews placed previously cut vegetation over the exposed line. This rehabilitation will help prevent further erosion to the exposed fire perimeter and help prevent mudslides.

Residents and visitors in the area should expect to see ash and dust lifted by winds across the fire area. These clouds of dust and ash can easily be mistaken for smoke. Additionally, smoke may be visible from the interior of the burned area. This smoke is normal as large trees and the remaining vegetation continue to smolder. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire area and are aware of smoke within the fire perimeter.

Fire weakened trees and holes of hot ash exist within the fire perimeter. Due to the risk to firefighter safety posed by these hazards, firefighters do not venture into the interior of the fire scar to extinguish non-threatening, smoldering fuels.

Red flag warnings are in effect today around the fire area. Red flag warnings are issued when high winds and low relative humidity levels create conditions that are conducive to fire ignition, growth and rapid spread. Winds will gust up to 35 mph and temperatures will remain high. Fire danger will be elevated around the fire area from high winds and low relative humidity which quickly dries grass and other vegetation.

Kyle Canyon Road (SR 157) and Lee Canyon Road (SR 156) are open. Deer Creek Road (SR 158) remains closed to ensure public and firefighter safety. Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway and parking areas, off of Kyle Canyon Road (SR157), are closed. Fire and local authorities ask the public to follow posted signs and messages to ensure firefighter and public safety.

Mahogany fire resources will continue to be released with the fire containment at 98%. Two Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, two engines and one helicopter will remain to complete fire suppression, repair and patrol the fire.

On Wednesday, July 8, the Great Basin Team 7 Type 2 incident management team will transition the Mahogany Fire to a local Type 3 team. Updates will continue to be provided as warranted by fire activity.

Fire Information: • Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6811/ • Facebook: @HumboldtToiyabeNF #MahoganyFire • Twitter: @HumboldtToiyabe #Mahogany • Fire Prevention: readyforwildfire.org