Monarch Fire

Monarch Fire
Monarch Fire
Part of the 2020 Nevada wildfires
	Monarch Fire on June 27, 2020
Date(s)	June 24, 2020–
Location	Douglas County, Nevada, United States
Coordinates	38°52′41″N 119°33′47″W / 38.878°N 119.563°W
Statistics
Burned area	2,324 acres (940 ha)
Impacts
Damage	$931,000
Ignition
Cause	Lightning strike
Map
	Location in Nevada

The Monarch Fire was a wildfire burning three miles south of Sierra Spirit Ranch in Douglas County, Nevada, in the United States. The fire, which was reported on June 24, 2020, was started by a lightning strike. As of June 28, 2020, it has burned 2,324 acres (940 ha) and was 97 percent contained. The fire is the largest of a handful that resulted after thunderstorms moved through the area.^[2]

Events

The Monarch Fire was reported burning three miles south of Sierra Spirit Ranch on Bureau of Land Management land on June 24, 2020 around 12:41 PM.^[3] The fire was started by a lightning strike and was named due to its proximity to the Monarch Mine. The mine is located between Galena Peak and Sugar Loaf.^[4] Fueled by grass and pinyon-juniper, by 4:12 PM the fire had burned 800 acres (324 ha) and was moving east. One hour later, the fire had doubled to 1,600 acres (647 ha).^[3] Lena Lane and Pine Nut Road 2 were closed only to fire crews and residents. Pine Nut Road 2 was reopened on June 27.^[1]

As of June 28, 2020, the fire had burned 2,324 acres (940 ha) and was 97 percent contained with full containment expected by June 29, 2020.^[1]

Impact

The fire led to Pinenut Road 2 and Lena Lane being closed only to fire crews.^[1] Smoke from the fire was visible from Carson City, Nevada.^[3] As of June 27, 2020, the fire cost $931,000 to fight.^[2]