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UPDATE: Crews work to contain fires near Mary Jane Falls

Posted at 6:01 PM, Oct 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-05 23:22:57-04

UPDATE: Fire crews are actively suppressing a new quarter acre fire above Mary Jane Falls near Mount Charleston.

The Trail Fire is expected to have a containment line around the fire by the end of the day. Both the Mary Jane Falls and North Loop trails remain open.
 
The Trail Fire was reported at 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday and is under investigation. Resources on the fire include a Nevada Division of Forestry Hand Crew, Mount Charleston Fire Protection District Fire Engine, a helicopter, and local forest resources.
 
The nearby Lost Fire continues to burn sparse fuels within the fire’s perimeter. The helicopter is being used to support both the Lost Fire and Trail Fire and helicopter surveillance has confirmed that the size of the Lost Fire remains around three quarters of an acre. Firefighters are not actively fighting the fire on the ground because of steep terrain. While firefighter continue to monitor the fire, only minimal spread in expected.
 
Visitors and community members can expect to see smoke coming off of both fires for the next several days.

ORIGINAL STORY

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- The Lost Fire near Mt. Charleston continues to burn. Now, people living there are concerned, wondering why firefighters are not battling the flames.  

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire is above Mary Jane Falls, about 3 miles north of Mt. Charleston.  

As of Sunday, the fire was half an acre.  

Several people reached out to 13 Action News, asking why there were no firefighters, and worried the fire would spread.  

They also pointed out helicopters could be used to help, if needed.  

13 Action News reached out to representatives with the U.S. Forest Service. They say fire crews are monitoring the situation.  

They explained the fire is small and surrounded by rocks.  The terrain is rugged and steep, and for the safety of fire crews, they are not attacking the fire directly.  

Representatives with the U.S. Forest Service said they didn't expect the fire to grow.  

They added they do have access to helicopters to help fight the fire and will use them if they decide it's necessary.