Firefighters make progress on Moapa, Mount Charleston blazes

Firefighters continued making progress Saturday toward full containment of the blaze on Mount Charleston that ignited Thursday morning and threatened homes in the Rainbow subdivision.

The 20-acre blaze started by an illegal camp fire was 90 percent contained Saturday, according to the Bureau of Land Management. BLM officials said they expected full containment by this evening.

The blaze, labeled the Cathedral Fire, was battled by 130 firefighters.

The fire prompted the voluntary evacuation of many residents on Thursday and forced the closure of State Route 157, the main road into Kyle Canyon, as well as Route 158, which connects Kyle and Lee canyons. Both roads were reopened Friday afternoon.

Although most trailheads and campgrounds are open, BLM officials said several remain closed, including Cathedral Picnic Area and Trailhead, Trail Canyon Trailhead, Old Ski Tow Trailhead, Mary Jane Falls Trailhead and Echo Trailhead.

Meanwhile, crews continued to mop up the 601-acre fire in Moapa, which also began Thursday.

BLM officials said the fire was 25 percent contained Saturday because of hot spots that could still flare up.

Officials have not determined the cause of the blaze, although residents said it was started by a work crew trimming palm trees to reduce the fire danger.

The fire consumed 18 structures: nine residencies and nine outbuildings.

Warm Springs Road remains closed to everyone except residents.

Officials said they expect full containment of the blaze by next week.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at
aplanas@review journal.com or 702-383-4638.