Bryan backs Guinn’s request to declare state a disaster area

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000 | 11:46 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn's request to Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman to declare Nevada a disaster area after this summer's wildfires and drought got a boost from Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev.

Wildland fires have charred forests, pastures and farmland throughout the state, Guinn said in the letter sent Tuesday to Washington, D.C.

Bryan said he talked to Glickman's office on Wednesday and had been assured an answer to the governor's request could come as soon as Monday.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., also wrote a letter to President Clinton in support of expediting Nevada's request.

Last year flames damaged 1.6 million acres of Nevada land. This year the toll stands at 600,000 acres, but the fire season is expected to continue for another two months.

In Southern Nevada, almost 3,000 acres of wildlands burned since June. Twice this summer lightning has sparked major wildfires in the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas, around Buck Springs and Trout Canyon.

archive