Storage Box Destroyed In Logandale Fire

A neglected controlled burn whipped into an inferno in Logandale over the weekend, destroying a storage container and threatening a nearby garage structure. On Saturday, May 15, at 2:49 pm, Moapa Valley Fire District (MVFD) firefighters received an alert for a smoke investigation at a residence on Neil Ave near Lyman Street in Logandale.

“As our crews were assembling at the station we really didn’t see any smoke,” said MVFD Chief Stephen Neel. “But by the time the first vehicle rolled up on scene they found a 5×10 CONEX storage box at the site fully involved in flame.”

The fire was spreading quickly and was already lapping up against the exterior plywood siding of a wooden garage structure nearby.

First on the scene were units from nearby Logandale Station #72. They arrived at 2:57 pm and were followed by units from Overton Station 74 and Moapa Station 72.

“Once we were on scene, we immediately worked to protect the garage,” Neel said. “Then we hit the main fire. It only took about 5 minutes or so to get it under control.”

The property owner had reportedly been doing a controlled burn in the area earlier in the day. According to Neel, the controlled burn had apparently not been entirely extinguished.

“There must have been some hotspots left,” Neel said. “With the high winds that day, things ignited again and started on some low brush there in the back yard that was close to the CONEX.”

Neel emphasized that area residents exercise caution in performing controlled burns in yard areas and around other buildings.

“Since we are going into wildfire season, people should be making sure that there is a clean break between any weed vegetation and their homes,” Neel said. “There should be a good barrier so that if something does get out of control, there is an ample firebreak there to protect their homes.”

In addition, wind conditions should be monitored carefully when considering a controlled burn, Neel said. “People should only do a burn when winds are lower than 5 mph,” he said. “Anything above that and controlled burns are hazardous and actually prohibited by law.”