Bureau of Land Management officials have temporarily closed Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s scenic loop and trails as the Carpenter One fire moved into remote sections of the mountains this week, growing to a size of 27,968 acres by Thursday morning.
Six structures in the Prospect Springs area have been lost and two firefighters injured as crews continue to battle the Southern Nevada wildfire that began on July 1 when lightning struck steep terrain area in Carpenter Canyon.
The two firefighters injured reportedly suffered ankle injuries working in the difficult terrains where the fire continues to burn.
Fire officials reported Thursday morning that the southern section of the fire is being securely held just north of Lovell Summit Road and that crews continue to be supported by aircraft along the fire’s edge.
On the western side of the fire, near Spring Mountain, firefighters are concerned about possible falling debris, but continue to construct fire lines north toward Charleston Peak.
Crews working in the area of Kyle Canyon, or the northern edge of the blaze, have secured fire lines up to the structures in those communities and are reportedly continuing to work to identify new opportunities to set up direct and indirect lines to the fire south of Kyle Canyon Road.
Residents of the Trout, Kyle and Lee canyon communities remained under evacuation as of Thursday, but the Red Cross reception centers, located at Hafen Elementary School in Pahrump and James Bilbray Elementary School in Las Vegas will remain open to assist individuals from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Other closures due to the fire currently include the Spring Mountain Recreation Area in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Lovell Canyon Road at State Route 160, Trout Canyon Road at State Route 160, Lovell Summit Road, Carpenter Canyon Road at State Route 160, Wallace Canyon Road at State Route 160, Bristlecone Trail, South Loop Trail, North Loop Trail, Griffith Peak Trail and all surrounding areas.
As these communities and recreational areas continue to be affected by the Carpenter One fire, many members of the Pahrump community have been reaching out to collect donations for their fellow residents.
On Wednesday, Golden Gaming, the parent company of the Pahrump Nugget, Gold Town and Lakeside casinos announced it had parented with the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter to support the “Fire Hurts Red Cross Helps” campaign, which aids victims of both home and wildfires.
In addition to presenting the Red Cross with a $5,000 donation, the company’s Pahrump locations will be collecting donations at their bars to be sent directly to the Red Cross for their campaign.
Other members of the community also working to help victims of the Carpenter One fire include the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, who is working to find lodging or RV Space for those in need. Their emergency number for fire victims is 775-513-2038.
Other donations to the cause can also be made to the National Wildland Firefighter Foundation through www.wwfoundations.org or by calling (203) 336-2996, or the American Red Cross directly through www.redcross.org/lasvegasfirehurts or by calling (702) 369-3674.