Officials are reporting growth in the wildfire that two plane crewmembers died fighting on the Nevada-Utah border.
Bureau of Land Management officials say the White Rock Fire has grown to 8,000 acres by Monday morning and is 15% contained. Crews on scene are battling high winds, and don't expect to fully contain the fire until Sunday.
Authorities say the blaze was sparked Friday night by lightning on the eastern edge of Nevada's Lincoln County. It's burning in steep, rugged terrain and has spread into Utah.
Two pilots from Boise, Idaho, were killed Sunday when their firefighting aircraft crashed during a mission to drop retardant on the blaze.
Crews held back the flames long enough for authorities to visit the crash site and confirm the men had died.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued the following statement:
"On behalf of the entire Interior family, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the two courageous men who gave their lives on Sunday. Their loss is a stark reminder of the risks endured by the men and women who fight the wild fires that threaten lives and property across the West, and especially by those who take up that challenge from the air. The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management stands ready to assist and support the family and friends of these brave individuals. We will also remain vigilant and continue to do all we can to ensure the safety of all firefighters in this challenging wildfire season."
(AP)
