York Fire Now 93% Contained, Hot Spots Possible

Posted on: August 8, 2023, 04:19h. 

Last updated on: August 8, 2023, 12:28h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

The massive wildfire extending from California into Nevada was about 93% contained as of early this week, according to a recent update.

Nevada’s Avi Kwa Ame national monument
Nevada’s Avi Kwa Ame national monument, pictured above. A wildfire reached property near the sacred site. (Image: KSNV)

Called the York Fire, it involved 93,078 acres in the two states, a federal website, Inciweb, reported on Monday. That includes more than 9,100 acres in Nevada’s Clark County.

The blaze also reached property near Nevada’s Avi Kwa Ame national monument, the U.S. Forest Service told the Orange County Register.

The monument is named for Avi Kwa Ame, also called “Spirit Mountain.” It is a sacred site for the Yuman tribes and was named a monument earlier this year.

Firefighters are continuing to extinguish remaining hot spots in the wildfire, according to federal officials. The fire is expected to be completely contained by August 14.

The blaze began July 28 in California’s Mojave National Preserve and made its way into Nevada’s Clark County. It’s believed to be California’s worst wildfire so far this year.

Closure Order

On Sunday, the Mojave National Preserve announced a limited closure order in the area of the wildfire.

The fire-impacted region has seen falling limbs and fire-damaged trees. There were also roads and bridges damaged by the fire. Officials said hot ash and other hazards are still possible in the fire-impacted region.

The vast fire also is causing ecosystem concerns and is endangering many of California’s iconic Joshua trees.

Fire whirls, also known as fire tornadoes, were seen in California’s Mojave National Preserve during the fire. They are created by flames and smoke.

The fire’s environmental impact was also seen in the Las Vegas Valley last week. Lower visibility caused by smoke and haze from the wildfire led to some flight delays at Harry Reid International Airport.

Various areas in Clark County also saw worsening air quality and fire-related illnesses.

There are reported health incidents related to asthma, breathing troubles, sore throats, headaches, and nausea, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

Safety Precautions

Mojave National Preserve officials recommend those in the impacted areas take precautions.

These include:

  • Watch out for fire crews, equipment, and helicopter operations
  • Be on the alert for washed-out roads or missing culverts
  • Stay clear of standing burned vegetation that may fall
  • Do not travel into upper Caruthers Canyon
  • Drive at slow speeds of no more than 25 mph
  • Report any unsafe roads or other hazardous conditions to government officials at 760-252-6100 or email moja_superintendent@nps.gov, and include photographs and GPS coordinates.