With the Bison Fire reaching 65 percent containment by Wednesday afternoon, fire officials have notified the Lyon County Office of Emergency Management that it can lift the evacuation in Smith Valley.
The Incident Command Post has confirmed with Lyon County officials that it is safe for evacuees to return, said County Manager Jeff Page.
Firefighters worked the fire along a ridge above the evacuated homes early Wednesday. The weather forecast calls for evening thunderstorms and dry lightning, said BLM spokeswoman Dorothy Harvey.
The fire burning five miles east of Gardnerville began on July 4 and is now 65 percent contained with a full containment target date of July 14. The cost to date of the fire is $4.8 million, much of it coming from the use of aircraft, according to the BLM. On Wednesday, 1,065 personnel were assigned to the fire. In the skies were nine air tankers and 13 helicopters.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners has declared a State of Emergency for the Bison Fire. This allows the County to request additional State resources and assistance, as well as federal assistance, should the Governor deem a State of Emergency for the State of Nevada.
The public should stay out of the fire area. The following road closures to non-residents are currently in place for:
— Pine Nut Road at the intersection of Out-R-Way
— East Valley Road at Grandview
— Sunrise Pass Road at Coyote Rock
— Brunswick Canyon Road
— Mexican Dam Road
— Sunrise Pass Road at Artesia Road