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Woodcutter with chain saw sparked northeast Nevada wildfire

Posted at 12:01 PM, Sep 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-05 15:01:08-04

Authorities have determined the latest wildfire burning in northeast Nevada's Ruby Mountains was caused by someone cutting wood with a chain saw.

No structures have been damaged but some cattle has been lost in the fire that has burned more than 5 square miles (13 sq. kilometers) since it started Monday afternoon about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Elko near the Elko-Eureka county line.

Forest Service officials said Thursday 385 firefighters remain on the lines of the blaze that's now estimated to be 10% contained.

They're reminding the public that spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment, including tractors, chain saws, weed-eaters and mowers.