Lessons from the Mudd Fire Staff Ride

(Mudd Fire Staff Ride; photo credit, Elko BLM)

On June 12 following the state's Engine Operator Course, the Elko District BLM conducted the Mudd Fire Staff Ride for 35 participants from Ely BLM, Elko BLM, and Battle Mountain BLM.

(Mudd Fire Staff Ride; photo credit, Elko BLM)

Incident Background

(Mudd Fire Staff Ride; photo credit, Elko BLM)

Northern Nevada was experiencing a record breaking fire season in 2006 with resources from throughout the nation either responding to incidents or staging in the Elko area. 

The Mudd fire started on August 23, 2006 at approximately 2:59 (Pacific Standard Time) from diesel exhaust just northwest of Adobe Summit on State Route 225. Interagency suppression forces were dispatched to the reported fire, 10 miles North of Elko, NV along State Route 225. Rapid fire growth and rugged topography dictated the need for several access routes into the emerging incident. 

With ground resources rendezvousing at different points around the fire, coordination of suppression tactics became increasingly difficult and some communication channels were either compromised or non-existent. The conditions and events that occurred during the Initial Attack phase of the Mudd Fire would, in the end, lead to a fire entrapment situation.

Staff Ride Resources

Mudd Fire Staff Ride Website (includes participant and facilitator guides, electronic presentation, and more)

• Mudd Fire TEDEd lesson
• Accident investigation factual report

(Mudd Fire Staff Ride; photo credit, Elko BLM)