OVERTON, Nev. (KTNV) — A wildfire consumed 700 acres of land near Overton, Nevada in the Moapa Valley in a matter of hours on Friday.
Fire officials are calling it the Huntsman Fire. They say it broke out at approximately 2:42 p.m. and was still burning as of 10 p.m. Friday.
News of the flames prompted a "swift and coordinated response" from a host of local and federal agencies whose efforts are challenged by "strong and erratic winds in the area," officials noted in a news release.
UPDATE: Huntsman Fire near Overton in Moapa Valley about 50 percent contained, fire chief says
"Fire crews immediately went into action to contain and mitigate the blaze, focusing on protecting lives, property, and the natural environment," officials stated.
As part of a strategic approach to containing the blaze, fire crews say they are working to control the spread of the fire and prevent it from advancing into surrounding areas.
"The situation is dynamic, and authorities are actively monitoring the fire's progress," officials stated.
Officials urged residents and visitors to follow evacuation orders if they're issued and cooperate with authorities.
"The Huntsman Fire underscores the importance of fire safety precautions in fire-prone regions," they said.
Additional updates were promised as the situation develops.
Editor's note: The Moapa Valley Fire District fire chief first reported Friday that the fire expanded to approximately 700 acres. However, the update on Sunday narrowed the size to 469.3 acres.
