El Aero services LLC agrees to pay over $2.1 million for response to Sheep Creek Fire


LAS VEGAS – El Aero Services, LLC has entered into a civil settlement agreement pursuant to which it has agreed to pay over $2.1 million dollars for fire response and suppression costs arising out of the Sheep Creek Fire in 2018.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) incurred $2,173,872.44 in costs and damages to suppress the Sheep Creek Fire, which started on August 18, 2018, after a helicopter crashed in the Sheep Creek Range, North of Battle Mountain.

The BLM investigated the fire and determined that El Aero Services, LLC was responsible.

“Thanks to the diligence of Assistant United States Attorneys and professional staff in the Civil Division, we have recovered over $2.1 million spent in response to the Sheep Creek Fire, which was sparked by a helicopter accident,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This settlement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring full recovery of wildfire suppression costs.”

Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson handled this matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.