Over the weekend, firefighters faced challenging conditions battling a massive wildfire in California’s Mojave National Preserve. The fire, known as the York Fire, had spread into Nevada due to high temperatures and strong winds. As of Monday, the fire had expanded to approximately 120 square miles (284 square kilometers) with no containment. The blaze started on Friday near the remote Caruthers Canyon area and crossed the state line into Nevada on Sunday, causing smoke to drift further east into the Las Vegas Valley. The smoke created a hazy atmosphere, obscuring the sun and views of the surrounding mountains. The reduced visibility led to nearly two-hour departure delays at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The York Fire caused significant damage, particularly to Joshua Trees and other vegetation in the Mojave National Preserve. Photos captured flames and smoke rising from the burning trees, as well as fire whirls – spinning columns of fire that form under specific conditions during wildfires. While firefighters found these whirls fascinating, they are dangerous and require high temperatures to develop.
The fire also affected areas near the California-Nevada border, endangering wildlife and potentially altering the habitat permanently. Conservationists are concerned about the long-term impact on the pinyon-juniper woodlands and Joshua trees, which may take centuries to recover. The Dome Fire in 2020 already devastated one of the world’s largest Joshua tree forests, prompting conservationists to plant new trees in an effort to restore the land.
The cause of the York Fire is still under investigation, but it started on private land within the preserve. Meanwhile, another fire called the Bonny Fire burned in Riverside County, prompting evacuations and injuring a firefighter. Gusty winds and the possibility of thunderstorms pose an ongoing risk for fire growth in the area. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection advised caution due to these conditions.