Interagency wildland firefighters are responding to two lightning-caused wildfires burning south of Caliente, the Bureau of Land Management, Ely District, reported Thursday.
The Kane Springs Fire, about 17 miles southwest of Caliente, is estimated at 5,793 acres and remains 0% contained. The Grapevine Fire, about 10 miles southeast of Caliente in the Clover Mountain Wilderness Area, is estimated at 3,124 acres and also 0% contained.
Caliente is about 140 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
The Kane Springs Fire is burning in short grass and brush. Fire behavior has been active, with periods of rapid spread, torching, and flanking fire activity, the agency said.
The Grapevine Fire is burning in timber and steep, rugged terrain. Fire activity remains extreme, with sustained runs through available fuels, groups of trees torching simultaneously, and spotting occurring ahead of the main fire perimeter.
Both fires were discovered midday following recent lightning activity in the area.
Firefighters are facing challenging weather conditions, including above-normal temperatures, single-digit relative humidity, and increasing southwest winds, the agency said. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible, creating conditions that may support increased fire activity and rapid-fire spread.
A Red Flag Warning was issued Thursday and will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. The public is asked to avoid fire areas and allow firefighters to safely conduct suppression operations.
Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.
