Firefighters reach nearly 50 percent containment on Slinkard Fire west of Topaz
Firefighters made continued progress on the Slinkard Fire burning west of Topaz, reaching 49 percent containment by Monday morning, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
The fire, which started by a lighting strike August 29, is currently 9,093 acres and is located on the west slope of Antelope Valley.
Highway 395 is open. Highway 89 over Monitor Pass remains closed due to fire activity. Motorists traveling on Highway 395 are reminded there will be large amounts of firefighters in the region as well as returning holiday travelers.
Total personnel on the fire: 418 firefighters, 11 crews, 4 helicopters, 30 engines, 3 dozers and 11 water tenders.
Fire activity was minimal overnight, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Crews will continue to construct and improve the containment lines. Mop up continues in the north and westerly portions of the fire. Crews will continue to patrol for hot spots along Highway 395.
Residents and visitors may see occasional flare-ups, especially at night within the burned area. Night shift firefighters are monitoring these flare-ops and will take suppression action if needed.
A high pressure weather front will remain over Nevada bringing light southwest winds to the fire over the next two days. The chance for thunderstorms will increase with afternoon winds. Cooler temperatures are expected later in the week. Monday will be partly cloudy, becoming mostly cloudy after 1 p.m. with a sight chance of showers and thunderstorms.