New Pass and Ward Fires in Central Nevada

[DonTom]

Not far from here and I could smell the smoke last night:

"The New Pass Fire, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Austin, Nevada, has grown significantly since it began on Sunday, July 26, 2026. As of Thursday, July 30, 2026, the wildfire has burned an estimated 23,063 acres and is 15 percent contained."

"Grown significantly" but now 15% contained, was 0% contained yesterday. Is that good or bad news? I assume good news if that 15% is in this direction.

I am the only one here again and now the wind from the NW is blowing this way. I feel safer when there are others here, but I plan on staying here for a couple of more days or so

I hear fires can move fast in this very dry area.

But I am 14 miles south of Austin. Perhaps lightning starting a new fire near here is a greater risk than the one that is already burning NW of here.

-Don- Big Creek Camp, AZ

 

[Tom]

Wind-blown hot embers are also a cause of fire spreading/jumping to another area.
Stay safe.

 

[DonTom]

Wind-blown hot embers are also a cause of fire spreading/jumping to another area.
Stay safe.

Yep, that is what worries me a bit. Otherwise, I am at safe distance.

This is the largest fire in NV this year.

Again, I am the only person here.

I check the status of the fire twice per day and check that all looks clear here. But anything is possible. But I do have two escape routes from here.

"As of July 30, 2026, the New Pass Fire has become the largest wildfire in Nevada for the 2026 season. The blaze has consumed approximately 27,042 to 27,647 acres of land in central Nevada. Containment efforts have made progress, with the fire reported as 15% to 24% contained depending on the specific update time on July 30. The fire is being managed as a Type 3 incident with over 230 personnel assigned to suppression efforts. "

-Don- Big Creek Camp, AZ

 

[DonTom]

I am now at Sacramento Pass, NV. The fire south of Ely looks much larger, closer to town and looks like it is way out of control.

It looks a lot closer than it says below when I drove by it a few hours ago, it looks like it could get to Hwy 50 and Ely in no time, from what I saw:

"

"Ward Fire South of Ely​

The Ward Fire, burning on Ward Mountain approximately 9 miles south of Ely, has rapidly expanded to 3,770 acres with 0% containment as of Sunday, August 2, 2026. First reported on the morning of Friday, July 31, the blaze is being managed under a full suppression strategy by a Type 3 Incident Management Team. The fire is consuming sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and mixed conifer fuels in extremely steep and rugged terrain, which has severely limited safe access for ground crews. Consequently, firefighters are relying heavily on aviation resources, including helicopters and air tankers, to drop retardant and water to slow the fire's spread."

Here is a photo I took of the smoke from right here at Sac Pass when I got here at 1800 hrs:

-Don- Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, NV

 

[DonTom]

"The cause of the Ward Fire remains under investigation. As of August 2, 2026, officials from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have not yet determined the origin or specific cause of the blaze. While no official determination has been made, the fire is burning during a period of extreme heat and dry conditions, which has elevated fire risk across the region. "

 

[garyb1st]

Sacramento Pass is a great spot. We did it in late April a few years back. The weather was beautiful. As much as we enjoyed it, if I saw that kinda smoke in the distant, I'd be getting the Pace ready for travel.

 

[DonTom]

Sacramento Pass is a great spot. We did it in late April a few years back. The weather was beautiful. As much as we enjoyed it, if I saw that kinda smoke in the distant, I'd be getting the Pace ready for travel.

It has been just a little on the warm side, both day and night. I find this fan to be very helpful.

I just got back from a long hike. Up the Sac Pass Trail. I tried to find the Lucky Boy Trail and discovered how it got its name. You have to be a lucky boy to find it! I was not that lucky. I ended up on the Mine Shaft Trail and then headed back here. It was a very nice hike. I will try for the Lucky Boy Trail tomorrow from the opposite side and see if I can then be a "lucky boy".

-Don- Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, NV

 

[DonTom]

No trace of smoke here today. Wind direction changed.

However:

"Current Fire Size and Containment​

As of Monday, August 3, 2026, the Ward Fire has grown to approximately 8,696 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire is burning on Ward Mountain, roughly nine miles south of Ely in White Pine County. Despite strong winds testing the fire's perimeter over the weekend, fire officials reported that established containment lines held, though no percentage of the fire is yet surrounded by controlled lines. The blaze started on the morning of Friday, July 31, 2026, and grew rapidly from just two acres to over 1,000 acres by that evening. "

-Don- Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, NV