BATTLE MOUNTAIN — Two Battle Mountain Volunteer Firefighters, Bart Negro and Damon Spring, were burned while battling a wildland fire near Battle Mountain where a helicopter crashed on Saturday, Aug. 18.
The incident remains under investigation and preliminary findings will be shared when available.
The crash took place around 2 p.m. on Aug. 18 and was a contract helicopter carrying a pilot and two NDOW biologists on a wildlife survey flight.
The pilot and one of the biologists had minor injuries and the other biologist had injuries to their neck and back.
All three are in good condition and the crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
Shortly after the crash, the Sheep Creek Fire was reported approximately 15 miles north of Battle Mountain.
Crews from the Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Bureau of Land Management responded to the fire. During the response, an engine from the Battle Mountain VFD was burned over and injured Negro and Spring. The firefighters were taken to a burn center.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters, their families and the entire community. Lander County is a tight knit community and many are affected by this tragedy,” said Lander County Manager Keith Westengard.
The Sheep Creek fire is currently at 59,742 acres and approximately 85 percent containment. More information about the fire can be found in Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6157/.
“This situation highlights the dangers faced by all partners and agencies who assist with battling wildfires,” said acting BLM Nevada State Director Mike Courtney. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters and their families as they deal with the injuries and recovery.”
Both firefighters continue to be treated at a hospital burn center as Negro has second and third degree burns on 33 percent of his body and Spring has second and third-degree burns on 14 percent of his body.
A “go-fund me page” has been set up for Damon Spring by this friends and family https://www.gofundme.com/mvc.php?route=homepage_norma/search&term=damon%20spring to help him with his road to recovery.
A community meeting was held Wednesday at Battle Mountain High School, where fire managers provided an update on the fire.
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.
