McConnell

Crews secure perimeter lines as forest closures are reduced

The McConnell Fire is burning northeast of Orovada in Humboldt County, within the Santa Rosa Ranger District. Over the last 72 hours, the fire showed minimal activity with no perimeter growth as crews held lines and addressed interior hot spots. The fire poses no threat to nearby communities as operations focus on securing remaining edges and completing suppression repair.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect (September 9).
• The Santa Rosa Ranger District reduced its emergency closure on September 9, reopening Hinkey Summit Road, Buckskin Road, and Lye Creek Campground.
• Motorists traveling on Hinkey Summit Road are advised to watch for fire personnel and heavy equipment (September 8).
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across northwest Nevada (September 8).

Impact

Smoke remains visible across the burn area as timber and brush smolder during warmer daytime hours. Heavy equipment and fire personnel traffic continue along reopened mountain roads during repair operations.

Conditions and Outlook

Breezy south-southwest to west-southwest winds and dry conditions will persist over the coming days before much cooler air moves in early next week, with minimal chance of precipitation. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal with only interior smoldering during daytime heating. Crews plan to finish handlines along uncontained sections in the Eagle Creek area, patrol Cottonwood Creek, and expand suppression repair across the perimeter.

Cause and Context

Lightning ignited the fire northeast of Orovada on August 25. Incident command transitioned to a Type 3 management team on September 8 as active suppression shifted toward monitoring and suppression repair.

Official updates current through September 10, 2026.