The Dunes Fire burned in Slumbering Hills, about 20 miles northwest of Winnemucca. It was discovered at 1:21 p.m. Tuesday.
The fire burned near the sand dunes, which was beneficial to the 97 firefighters assigned to battle the flames. Ground crews included 10 engines, four bull-dozers and three water tenders. Air support included two helicopters, seven single engine air-tankers, two fixed-wing air tankers and a large air tanker. The dunes acted as a natural barrier for the growth of the fire. No structures were threatened as of Wednesday.
Wednesday morning, the Dunes Fire covered 1,500 acres and was 20 percent contained.
According to a BLM press release, the fire wasn’t started by lightning. There were no reports of lighting in the 48 hours prior to the start of the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
