Wetlands Park fire reaches 100% containment, future prevention strategy underway
Wetlands Park fire reaches 100% containment, future prevention strategy underway
The Wiesner Fire, which has scorched 110 acres near Sam Boyd Stadium and Wetlands Park, is now 100% contained, according to local officials. Despite the progress, concerns remain as this marks the fourth fire in the area in recent months.
Deputy Chief Brian O'Neal of the Clark County Fire Department said his agency is collaborating with other county offices to address the homeless population near the fire-prone areas. "We do engage partner agencies to come together and offer services to the homeless populations that are out there," O'Neal said.
The fire department is working on a "multi-pronged effort to try to help enforce the fire restrictions that are already in place in the park and the surrounding areas," O'Neal added. The recent fires have burned a total of more than 150 acres, prompting increased scrutiny and action.
Brent Nowak, engagement liaison with the Shine A Light Foundation, explained that weather conditions, such as monsoon season, can push homeless populations from tunnels to areas like Wetlands Park. "People will go where they most feel comfortable, where they feel safe and, you know, the weather does play a role," Nowak said.
O'Neal noted that the area had not burned significantly in previous years, which may have contributed to the fire's size. "It is an area that has not burned much in the previous years and that may have contributed to the size," he said.
While there is no determination yet on whether a homeless individual started the fire, Nowak emphasized the importance of not stigmatizing the homeless community. "The fact of the matter is I think that we tend to forget that somebody living with mental health challenges or substance abuse or just unhoused in general. They are still a part of our community. Right? And they still deserve as much grace as you or I deserve and a helping hand," Nowak said.
In response to the fires, Las Vegas Metro Police have implemented motion sensor detectors to alert them to trespassers, indicating a shift in policy to prevent future incidents.
