NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nevada – At approximately 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, smoke was reported in a remote area of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). NNSS Fire & Rescue responded and confirmed there is a wildland fire burning in the northern section of the Site.
This fire is being referred to as the “Ribbon Fire.” Currently, the burn area is estimated at 9,000 acres. NNSS Fire & Rescue is on-scene; Bureau of Land Management Air Assets have been requested and are expected to arrive on-site the morning of Aug. 23.
While the fire has burned through two contaminated areas, radiological exposure from the fire is well within acceptable bounds and poses no immediate threat to public health or safety. Additionally, at this time, no structures or assets are in danger, no injuries have been reported, and NNSS has full accountability of all employees.
The fire has not yet been wholly contained but has become embanked in a drainage area which has effectively reduced its capacity to continue to spread. Single-engine air tankers will begin aerial drops of fire suppressants shortly.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available on the NNSS X (formerly Twitter) page at https://x.com/NNSANevada and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NNSANevada.
Please note, Nevada National Security Site lands and air space are restricted. Access is not available for on-site media coverage on foot or by helicopter.