Buckeye Fire caused by lightning

Firefighters continue to battle the Buckeye Fire, five miles west of Bridgeport, which was approximately 20 percent contained as of the afternoon of Sept. 26. The Buckeye Fire started Sept. 25 around 11 a.m. from a lightning strike north of the Buckeye Hot Springs, located five miles west of Bridgeport., according to the InciWeb website.

No structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported. Firefighters have been faced with steep terrain and changing wind conditions making it a difficult fire to contain. As of the morning of Sept. 26 the size of the fire was estimated to be approximately 1,200 acres.

Currently, there are road closures in the area of the fire. Buckeye Road (Forest Road 32017) has been closed to the public between its junction with US-395 on the north and CA-420 (Twin Lakes Road) on the south. The Buckeye Campground has also been evacuated. Drivers are asked to use caution if having to travel on roadways near the fire as crews and apparatus are still actively working. Onlookers are asked to stay out of the area for the safety of themselves and personnel.

On the morning of Sept. 26 the Buckeye Fire was transitioned over to the Sierra Front, a Type 3 Team, operating under Incident Commander Paul Washam. Approximately 300 personnel are working on the fire, including ground and air crews. Agencies working cooperatively on the fire include the USFS, Cal Fire, Nevada Division of Forestry, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Mono County Sheriff, CHP, Marine Warfare Training Center and Bridgeport Fire Protection District.

Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid health problems related to the smoky conditions caused by the fire. –InciWeb/LK