Smoke and fire crews still working Bison fire

Residents will continue to see smoke and a limited number of fire crews working in the vicinity of the Bison fire as control is established over the following days, East Fork Deputy Chief Dave Fogerson said.

“Although the fire, which burned an area equal to 39 square miles, is considered contained, this means that firefighters have established a line around the fire so it won’t spread any farther,” Fogerson said. “Crews worked to build containment lines to ensure that the fire is completely out along the perimeter to stop any future fire spread before it is considered controlled.”

Areas within the interior perimeter might continue to smoke and burn, Fogerson said.

“Smoke is often visible for days and sometimes weeks after fires are contained,” he said. “The area is monitored after crews are released to ensure that the fire does not restart. Months after a fire there are potential safety hazards like rocks and soil that were loosened by the fire, dead standing trees or snags that could fall over that visitors should be aware.”

Residents or visitors who see smoke should still call 911. Douglas County 9-1-1 Emergency Services will ask if the caller knows of the location of the Bison fire and if the smoke appears within its perimeter. These calls will be routed to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch so the Bureau of Land Management is aware. These reports will not always be responded to immediately, depending upon the location, Fogerson said.

“Reports of smoke outside of the perimeter will be responded to by East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts in conjunction with our federal cooperators, as normal,” he said.

“It is expected that smoke and dust devils may be visible for many weeks if not months. The expected extreme temperatures will also lead to many dust devils that may be mistaken for smoke.”