By Staff
August 22, 2018
BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. (KOLO)--
UPDATE: A Community Meeting is planned for Wednesday August 22, 2018 at 7 p.m., Battle Mountain High School, 425 Weaver Street, where fire managers will provide an update on the fire.
EARLIER INFORMATION: A fire that started after the crash of a helicopter north of Battle Mountain has grown to 59,742 acres, or almost 90 square miles. The Sheep Creek Fire is 70 percent contained as of Wednesday morning.
There are no evacuations and no road closures.
Two firefighters were injured fighting the fire, the Bureau of Land Management says. The Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department firefighters continue to be treated at a hospital burn center. Bart Negro and Damon Spring (GoFundMe page here) are being treated for second- and third-degree burns.
“Please continue to keep both of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers and thank you all for your continued support for the firefighters and families,” said Lander County Manager Keith Westengard. “The names of the firefighters will be released when it is appropriate to do so.”
If the community wants to send a card or note to the firefighters, for support of a speedy recovery, they can be mailed to Lander County c/o HR, 50 State Route 305, Battle Mountain, NV 89820.
Additionally, two Nevada Department of Wildlife biologists and a pilot were on the helicopter that crashed. One biologist had neck and back injuries, and the pilot and other biologist had minor injuries and were treated on the scene.
The BLM describes all three as being in good condition. The volunteers were on a fire engine that the Sheep Creek Fire burned over on Saturday.
The helicopter was a contract helicopter taking biologists on a wildlife survey. The fire started in the same area and was reported after the crash about 15 miles north of Battle Mountain. The BLM is waiting for an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of safety with our employees and the public and we are grateful everyone on the flight is safe,” Tony Wasley, director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said in a statement.
Wasley said NDOW will keep the firefighters in their thoughts and prayers.
“This situation highlights the dangers faced by all partners and agencies who assist with battling wildfires,” said acting BLM Nevada State Director Mike Courtney.
The crash of the Bell 206 helicopter crash took place August 18, 2018 about 15 miles north of Battle Mountain, the Lander County Sheriff’s Office says.
The crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation and Safety Board.
Help volunteer firefighter Damon
Damon is 21 year old small town guy that has always had a big heart and enjoyed helping people he recently became a member of the battle mountain volunteer fire department he makes every call that he possibly can and is always one of the first people to show up at the fire house ready to go to work.
On August 18th Battle mountain volunteer firefighter Damon Spring and his partner responded to a rescue/fire call due to a helicopter crash while fighting the fire the conditions changed in an instant and were engulfed in flames and their engine was over run by fire . Search and rescue aircraft was able to locate them and get them to saftey after the fire passed they were care flighted to the burn center. They are doing well Damon has 3rd and 2nd degree burns on 14% of his body he’s going to have along road to recovery. https://elkodaily.com/news/local/update-lander-firefighters-still-in-burn-center-after-saturday-incident/article_15bc38a8-7d1b-5a8d-b999-daad4240f2ea.html#tracking-source=home-trending
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Two Battle Mountain volunteer firefighters are being treated for second- and third-degree burns after their engine was burned over while fighting the 59,000-acre Sheep Creek Fire, according to an update from Lander County.
One firefighter has second- and third-degree burns over 14 percent of their body and the other has second- and third-degree burns over 33 percent of their body.
The incident happened during the initial response to the blaze. Crews from the Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Bureau of Land Management were first to respond to the fire.
Both firefighters are being treated at a hospital burn center and their names are not being released at this time.
The fire started around 2 p.m. Saturday15 miles north of Battle Mountain in central Nevada, roughly the same time and near the location where a Nevada Department of Wildlife-contracted helicopter crashed.
The fire was 50 percent contained as of Monday evening.
FAA: Four people in helicopter that crashed near Battle Mountain
Sam Gross, Reno Gazette Journal Published 9:00 a.m. PT Aug. 19, 2018
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is made available.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a helicopter crash that happened Saturday afternoon roughly 15 miles north of Battle Mountain in central Nevada.
A spokesperson for the FAA said four people were onboard the Bell B206 helicopter and that the crash happened "under unknown circumstances."
Both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. The condition of the four people onboard the helicopter is unknown at this time. Firefighters are battling a 7,000-acre wildfire in the area that was discovered Saturday afternoon, but it is unclear if the two are related.
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Narrative:
The helicopter crashed and initiated a bush fire. At least one occupant sustained serious injuries.
Sources:
http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Helicopter-crash-north-of-Battle-Mountain-starts-brush-fire-491195411.html
https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/08/19/faa-investigating-helicopter-crash-near-battle-mountain/1036492002/?from=new-cookie
FAA
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=8052G
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Bell-206B-3-JetRanger-III/2005503
Date: 18-AUG-2018
Time: 14:00 LT
Type:
Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III
Owner/operator: Nevada Department of Wildlife
Registration: N8052G
C/n / msn: 4050
Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Other fatalities: 0
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Location: near Battle Mountain, NV -
United States of America Phase: Unknown
Nature: Survey
Departure airport:
Destination airport: