Winnemucca, NV – August 13, 2024 – On the evening of August 12, 2024, a wildfire known as the Bourbon Fire broke out south of Winnemucca, spreading rapidly due to extreme fire behavior under Red Flag conditions. Reported at approximately 6:55 PM, the fire threatened multiple structures, necessitating immediate action from various firefighting agencies.
The Winnemucca Rural Fire Department (WRFD) was among the first to respond, arriving with 23 members and seven trucks. Crews found the fire spreading rapidly in an easterly direction, endangering numerous homes and a church. Their initial focus was on protecting structures and ensuring the safety of residents.
Soon after, Bureau of Land Management-Winnemucca District (BLM Fire) units arrived, providing additional resources including 10 fire engines, four fire dozers, three water tenders, and numerous EMS and law enforcement personnel. Mutual aid was also requested from the Winnemucca City Fire Department (WFD), which responded with 23 firefighters. Their response included four brush engines, two structure engines, one ladder truck, and one incident support unit. The Golconda Fire Protection District, encompassing both Valmy and Golconda Fire, initially responded to a fire at Button Point. Golconda Fire deployed five trucks with nine personnel, with an additional truck and two personnel on standby. Valmy Fire contributed two trucks with seven personnel, with one truck and two personnel on standby in Valmy. After staging at Button Point, they were redirected by BLM and dispatch to provide mutual aid in Winnemucca.
As firefighting efforts continued, Humboldt General Hospital EMS-Rescue worked at ensuring the safety of both firefighters and residents. They staged ambulances at strategic locations, including the Winnemucca gas station and the old Good Morning Furniture store. An EMS supervisor oversaw a rehabilitation trailer set up to provide water and oxygen to any firefighters or residents in need. EMS teams also conducted neighborhood checks to offer medical assistance and oxygen to residents affected by the fire and smoke.
By late evening, as the fire became more contained, some local fire units and those from Golconda Fire Protection District were released to return to their district. BLM fire suppression efforts continued through the night to secure the area and address any remaining island and spot fires within the containment zone.
In total, the fire consumed 141 acres of brush and abundant grass across private, federal, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) land. Although some private property and structures were damaged, no primary residences were lost, and there were no reported injuries among firefighters or civilians.
By 6:30 AM on August 13, the fire was 50% contained, with full containment by 5:30 PM the same day.
Power outages in Winnemucca were reported by NV Energy during the event due to damage to power lines. The circuit tripped, prompting the activation of fire mode to ensure community safety. Crews patrolled the lines to assess the situation and determine when it was safe to restore power. Power was fully restored to Winnemucca overnight.
The response to the Bourbon Fire underscores the importance of collaboration among multiple agencies, including local law enforcement, the WFD, WRFD, BLM Fire, HGH EMS-Rescue, Valmy Fire, Golconda Fire, and BIA. The coordinated efforts of these teams ensured that the fire was effectively managed, and the community was protected.
For the latest updates on the Bourbon Fire, please visit Nevada Fire Information.