The spreading fire was soon under control by the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, Bureau of Landmanagement and Naval Air Station Fallon Fire Department.
A fire ignited on a hay truck yesterday afternoon in the area of Middlegate Station and has since been contained and controlled said Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Lisa Ross.
Bill Lawry with the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, which did the initial response, reported hot material from a tire caught fire so the driver pulled over and disconnected the trailer bed. The approximate location of the spreading fire was from Bench Creek Road to Gabb’s Highway.
Lawry said about 80 percent of the hay and trailer was destroyed.
The department took care of the hay truck and the BLM tackled the wildfire portion. Lawry noted the BLM used four engines, a hand crew, a helicopter and an airplane. Fallon/Churchill had two engines and two water tenders on scene. A federal fire engine also assisted.
“We left the scene about 8 p.m., and the BLM remained on scene and so did fed fire,” Lawry said. “I haven’t heard a word, which is good.”
Ross said the named Shoe Tree Fire ended up burning approximately 7 acres.