"The Kearny fire grew rapidly to 300 acres within a single day and required a substantial firefighting effort, peaking at 89 personnel and costing $1.5 million before containment. Its swift containment within a week demonstrates effective resource deployment and highlights the challenges of natural ignition in remote areas."
The Kearny wildfire, located 37 miles north of Ely in White Pine County, Nevada, was discovered on August 24, 2026, and is caused by natural factors under BLM jurisdiction. The fire rapidly expanded from 30 acres on August 25 to 300 acres later that day, with no containment until the evening of August 25 when 0% containment was reported and 89 personnel were deployed. Over the next week, containment improved steadily: 5% by August 26, 30% by August 27, 60% by August 29, and full containment (100%) by August 31, while personnel numbers fluctuated from 68 to 44 to 30. The estimated cost rose to $2,000,000 as the fire was fully contained. The fire behavior evolved from extreme, group torching and flanking on August 25 to moderate creeping and smoldering by August 26, and minimal smoldering thereafter.
Official source description: 37 Miles N from Ely, NV
Minimal; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Great Basin National Park. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained and exhibiting minimal smoldering behavior. General wildfire safety guidance applies, but no immediate evacuation or fire danger warnings are necessary at this time.
IRWIN ID: {739A1757-7A5B-4C45-A969-12379483AE71}
Discovered: Aug 24, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: BLM
Est. Cost to Date: $2,000,000
Coordinates: 39.9138, -114.9184
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in NV.
The Kearny Fire has burned 300 acres as of August 31, 2026.
Yes, the Kearny Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Kearny Fire is burning in White Pine, NV.
No, the Kearny Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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