GOTHIC

## Gothic Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Gothic Fire was first reported on July 4, 2025, originating from a lightning strike within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) in Nye County, Nevada. **Size and Containment**: As of July 23, 2025, the Gothic Fire has burned an estimated 36,000 acres and is 50% contained. Earlier reports indicated the fire had decreased in size from 36,500 acres to 30,786 acres by July 16, 2025, with 10% containment at that time. As of July 18, 2025, the fire was reported at 35,725 acres with 25% containment. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning through timber, including pinyon and juniper trees, as well as grasses. Fire behavior has been described as active, with short runs and uphill movement, particularly in the afternoons. Low overnight humidity and gusty southerly winds have contributed to the fire's northward and northeastward progression. Firefighters are employing a "confine and contain" strategy, focusing on protecting specific values at risk rather than full suppression. **Containment Efforts**: The U.S. Air Force, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southern Nevada District, is managing the fire. Containment efforts are ongoing, with a focus on point protection strategies for values at risk. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** No evacuation orders have been issued, and no structures or public spaces are currently threatened. The fire is located within the Nevada Test and Training Range, a restricted area permanently closed to the public. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** The Gothic Fire is located on withdrawn lands within the Nevada Test and Training Range, which is a restricted area always closed to the public, regardless of fire activity. No additional closures have been issued. **For more information, visit:** * [Nevada Fire Info](https://www.nvfireinfo.org/) * [Bureau of Land Management Nevada](https://www.blm.gov/nevada) * [Watch Duty](https://app.watchduty.org/fires/nv/gothic-fire) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** The Gothic Fire is burning in a remote area within the Nevada Test and Training Range, and there is no immediate threat to personnel, facilities, or adjacent communities. Due to the restricted nature of the area, public access is limited, reducing civilian risk. **Safety Concerns:** **Air Quality**: Wildfire smoke from the Gothic Fire may be impacting air quality in surrounding areas. Clark County has issued a seasonal advisory for ground-level ozone pollution and wildfire smoke, noting that smoke can influence ozone formation and increase particulate matter pollution. Residents experiencing respiratory or other health concerns are advised to stay indoors or check local air quality reports. Air quality in Las Vegas is currently rated as "Poor" and unhealthy for sensitive groups. **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in Southern Nevada, prohibiting open fires, fireworks, and tracer ammunition on public lands. Statewide year-round restrictions prohibit fireworks, tracer ammunition, and the use of engines without spark arrestors. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Containment efforts are ongoing, with the fire currently at 50% containment as of July 23, 2025. Firefighters are utilizing a confine-and-contain strategy, and the fire is not expected to experience significant growth, though it will continue to burn within its interior and is under constant supervision. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: While specific weather warnings for the immediate Gothic Fire area were not detailed in the last 72 hours of reporting, general forecasts for Nevada indicate clear to partly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 80s Fahrenheit. There is an increased chance of thunderstorms and precipitation, which could bring gusty and erratic winds that may contribute to fire spread. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Gothic Fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 4, 2025. **Weather and Climate**: The fire ignited under conditions of dry vegetation and increased grass fuels, exacerbated by hot temperatures and low humidity. The ongoing dry conditions and potential for increased wind activity contribute to the fire's behavior and the challenges in containment. ### For more information, visit:** * [Nevada Fire Information](https://www.nvfireinfo.org/) * [Bureau of Land Management Nevada Fire and Aviation](https://www.blm.gov/nevada/fire-and-aviation) * [Watch Duty - Gothic Fire](https://app.watchduty.org/fires/nv/gothic-fire)

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