(KTNV) — We're following updates on a fire burning near the Trout Canyon community, on the southwestern edge of the Spring Mountains in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire, first reported on Sunday, forced some residents to evacuate their homes, and roads were closed in the vicinity.
Geneva Zoltek reports from Trout Canyon
A wildfire that sparked near Trout Canyon, a small community 15 miles outside of Pahrump in the Spring Mountains, prompted evacuations and road closures.
The fire, which has burned approximately 30 acres, came dangerously close to homes on Sunday afternoon, according to residents who remained in the area despite evacuation orders.
VIDEO | Fire crews continue to monitor potential hot spots at Trout Canyon fire
Ray Johnson, U.S. Forest Service Fire Prevention Specialist, explained that worsening drought conditions have made the region especially vulnerable to wildfires.
"Well, we are very, very hot and dry. Last year was 120 today, so we're not quite as hot, but nonetheless, we're still very dry. Humidity are very, very low. So any type of ignition is currently starting fire," Johnson said.
Johnson warned that this could be just the beginning of a challenging fire season.
"We have had a number of fires here recently, but really, this is just the beginning. We still have a very long way to go in fire season, so we just urge the people of Southern Nevada to be aware of that and try and use common sense and remember that any small ignition can start a large fire," Johnson said.
"We certainly have some people up there right now. There's two hand crews and we won't be leaving the fire until we're really sure that we feel safe about it, especially with winds coming. So we will have it staffed as best we can."
Fire crews will continue to remain on site for the next couple of days to address potential hot spots.
Update: Monday, July 7, 11:15 a.m.
A fire just outside the Trout Canyon community is now estimated to have burned approximately 30 acres, according to updated information from the Clark County Fire Department.
Residents who'd been ordered to evacuate on Sunday night have since been allowed to return to their homes, officials stated.
New photos shared by the fire department show how close the fire came to burning homes in the Trout Canyon Area.
Firefighters are still on the ground monitoring and dousing potential hot spots. CCFD says residents can expect them to remain in the area over the next few days as a precautionary measure. Road closures are expected to remain in effect while the firefighting efforts are ongoing.
Initial report: Sunday, July 6, 8:30 p.m.
A 15-acre fire has forced evacuations in the Trout Canyon community, on the southwestern edge of the Spring Mountains.
Trout Canyon and Lovell Summit roads have been shut down, and officials with the Clark County Fire Department say public access to the area is not allowed.
WATCH | Smoke visible from Trout Canyon fire
"Please do not attempt to access the area or fly drones in the vicinity of the fire," an official wrote.
The fire is being fought by firefighters on the ground and with the use of aviation resources to drop water on the flames, officials stated. Firefighters and volunteers from CCFD, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are responding.
