Wildland fire evacuates Elko county underground mine work
A fire burning between two mines in Elko county Tuesday night led to an evacuation of underground mine work, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Elko county, about 400 miles north of Las Vegas, had crews were working to extinguish the 1,400 acre fire burning between the Rossi and Meikle Mines, about eight miles apart. Officials are calling it the Bootstrap Fire.
Barrick, a mine operating company, evacuated their underground operations at the Meikle Mine once smoke infiltrated into the ventilation system. Air quality was being tested to see if it was safe to begin operations again, according to BLM.
As of 9 p.m., BLM said only 20 percent of the fire was contained.
Rain and old burn scars helped slow the fire’s growth. The fire burned under power lines and NV Energy was on scene to check on any burned poles.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact reporter Cassandra Taloma at ctaloma@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381.
