Single Publication

Current Situation

Yesterday, firefighters increased containment of the Mesquite Heat Fire to 63 percent. The decrease in acreage to 10,960 is due to more accurate mapping as crews continue to validate and improve upon existing control lines.

Most of the fire received 0.5 inch of rain yesterday. Night operations patrolled the area last night and found no heat near residences or roadways. Some smoke is coming from push piles, but firefighters will work to address those today. Fuels are too wet to carry fire. Crews flew an unmanned aircraft system (UAS or drone) over the western section of the fire yesterday looking for hotspots. A few smokes were spotted inside the containment lines, but those are not expected to spread. Today, firefighters will continue similar work to yesterday, including lengthening and widening containment lines, connecting gaps where needed and keeping the fire inside the perimeter. Mop up and patrol will continue along the northern, western and southern edges, as will construction of containment lines with heavy equipment.

Weather

Temperatures will rise into the high 80s today with northwest winds at 15-20 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be near 30 percent. A noticeable warming and drying trend will start Thursday with highs back near 90. Northwest winds will be near 10 mph as relative humidity falls to 25 percent. The heat and dryness continue to build into the weekend with high temperatures of 102-105 and minimum relative humidity falling to near 10 percent. Red flag warnings are expected.

Resources

Assigned resources include 247 personnel, a Type 3 helicopter, 28 engines, a tractor plow and nine dozers.