Friday update: Evacuations and road closures lifted

Firefighters on Friday night had a line 80 percent around what’s been called the largest fire on record in Western Nevada, and all evacuations and road closures had been lifted.

The Bison fire was holding at 25,733 acres, and full containment is expected Sunday. The firefighting price tag has hit $7.1 million.

A firefighter was treated for a breathing problem Thursday, the second injury related to the fire in the days since lightning sparked it July 4.

The number of firefighters working the blaze has dropped below 1,000 as units begin demobilizing for other fires.

Two dozen engines, 31 hand crews, nine water tenders and three bulldozers were set to continue to mop up the fire on the ground, with the support of five single-engine air tankers and seven helicopters.

Firefighters will close the spike camp and helibase in Smith Valley established to fight the fire on the eastern flank.

“We continue to ask that, for your safety and the safety of the firefighters, the public stay away from the fire area,” said fire information officer Dorothy Harvey. “No residences were damaged or lost in the Bison fire, but to lessen the possibility of your home being damaged in another fire, please clear 30 feet around your residences, reduce the fuel, reduce the risk. Go to the Firewise link at www.firewise.org for further information.”