UPDATE: U.S. Forest staff have scheduled a community meeting on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Charleston Library (75 Ski Chalet Place) to provide an update and answer questions about the Lost Fire.
The fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2 and has not grown since Sunday morning. The area where the fire is burning is extremely steep and contains many heavy, dead, and downed trees. However, the area does not contain enough undergrowth to provide fuel for the fire to spread.
Currently, the Forest Service is not pursuing the fire due to the safety hazards posed by the terrain. Helicopters are not being used as dropping large buckets of water on the area would increase the potential for burning logs to roll out and start a new fire outside of the perimeter.
The Mary Jane Falls Trail and North Loop trails remain open.
ORIGINAL STORY
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- The Lost Fire continues to burn at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
The fire's spread was limited by rocky terrain with minimal vegetation and remained at about 1/2 acre throughout the day. Firefighters continue to monitor the flames but will not make a direct attack due to the steep and rugged terrain.
Mary Jane Trail remains open. Hikers and nearby communities can expect to see smoke for the next 2-3 days as firefighters continue to monitor the flames and reassess suppression alternatives.
Officials believe the fire was human-caused.
Area Manager Donn Christiansen says that the following fire and shooting restrictions will remain in place at the SMNRA through Monday, Oct. 31:
All campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are only allowed in designated campgrounds/areas. Portable cooking stoves utilizing liquefied or bottled fuel sources continue to be allowed on the SMNRA.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle, building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is void of all flammable material, including vegetation.
Use caution when operating or parking vehicles in proximity to vegetation.
No welding equipment may be used, including acetylene or open flame torches, except by permit.
Fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary or tracer ammo are always prohibited on public lands.
Discharging a firearm is prohibited, except while engaged in a lawful hunt under state and federal regulations.
