Lava Flow fire grows to 24,500

UPDATE: 11:00 a.m. 8-4-17 The Lava Flow fire is continuing to actively burn on Bureau of Land Management rangeland about 5 miles south of Atomic City. The lightning-caused fire was estimated at 24,500 acres Friday. The fire is now 15 percent contained and full containment is now estimated for Sunday. BLM said 129 firefighters are beginning to get a handle on the fire. Handcrews will be digging lines and working with helicopters to drop water on the fire and help secure the perimeter. As of Friday 14 engines, 3 dozers, 3 water tenders, 2 hand crews, and 2 helicopters were involved in the effort. UPDATE: 8-3-17 3:30 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management estimates the size of the lightning caused “Lava Flow” fire at 20,500 acres. There is no estimated time of containment. No structures are threatened. There are now 100 personnel involved in fighting the fire, including 10 engines, 3 dozers, 3 water tenders, 5 single engine tankers, 2 handcrews, 1 heavy air tanker, 1 very large air tanker and 2 helicopters. ORIGINAL STORY: Air and ground crews are battling the new “Lava Flow” fire burning about 5 miles south of Atomic City on Bureau of Land Management ground.
The fire was estimated at 2,000 acres Thursday morning and was burning in tall grass intermixed between lava flows. It was believed to have been started by lightning Wednesday. BLM said the fire burned actively through the night. Five single engine air tankers dropped retardant into the late evening. The lava flows made access difficult, so the air attack was expected to continue through Thursday. In addition, 10 engines, 3 dozers, and 2 water tenders are assigned to the fire. There is no immediate threat to structures and no estimated time for containment.