UPDATE (Jan. 9, 9:25 p.m.) — Clark County said late Thursday that fuel would flow in Southern Nevada within 24 hours.
“In working with California, a solution has been put in place which will power the Kinder Morgan fuel line into southern Nevada and fuel should start to flow into the valley in the next 12-24 hours. Clark County Office of Emergency Management remains engaged on this issue with regional and state partners. The public is encouraged to not panic buy at the pump.”
— Clark County Nevada (@ClarkCountyNV) January 10, 2025
UPDATE (Jan. 9, 5:53 p.m.) — The city of Las Vegas announced in a statement on Thursday afternoon that the valley “looks to face temporary disruptions in service” of the primary pipeline that transports fuel to the valley.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the refinery connected to Kinder Morgan’s SFPP West and the CalNev pipeline system shuttered at noon on Wednesday and is still closed due to the Southern California wildfires.
The city issued the following statement:
“In an abundance of caution, due to the fires in California, the main pipeline that brings gasoline and other fuels to the Las Vegas Valley looks to face temporary disruptions in service. The CalNev Pipeline is the key line that brings gasoline and other types of fuels from refineries in California to Las Vegas. It is over 560 miles long. We have assessed fuel reserves for emergency response vehicles and are confident we will continue to provide emergency services for the duration of this event. Residents should reconsider heavy driving while the pipeline is potentially disrupted.”
Clark County officials provided an additional statement:
“As a result of the fires in California, Clark County Emergency Management is aware of potential impacts to the fuel line servicing Southern Nevada. While we work with our public safety and regional partners to better understand this issue, Governor Lombardo and his team are working directly with California to mitigate any potential impact to fuel supply.”
As a result, motorists have flocked to gas stations throughout the Las Vegas Valley, causing queues to form.
More firefighters from Nevada are on the way
UPDATE (Jan. 9, 8:28 a.m.) — Additional local firefighters are being dispatched to California as the situation worsens. Another Southern Nevada strike team has been assigned to assist with the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area.
On Thursday, a team comprising of engines and personnel from the Clark County, Las Vegas, and Pahrump Valley fire agencies will depart from the Clark County Fire Department Training Center.
Yesterday, a strike team consisting of 24 individuals was dispatched to Southern California. The team comprises of three engines, a battalion chief, and a mechanic from the Clark County Fire Department. Additionally, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue has contributed an engine and an equipment technician, while the Henderson Fire Department has provided one engine and a battalion chief.
The Reno Fire Department dispatched two brush trucks along with eight personnel, while Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue also contributed a strike team.
Clark County’s Office of Emergency Management has coordinated the formation of strike teams in response to a request from the state of California. This request was made to assist in the battle against numerous wildfires that have ravaged thousands of acres and caused the destruction of over 1,000 structures in Los Angeles County.
The powerful winds and dry conditions are fueling the fires.
Strike teams from Nevada going to California
Jan. 8
Strike squads from the Las Vegas and Northern Nevada fire departments will go to the Los Angeles region today to assist with the California wildfires.
Clark County officials said they were assembling a team of workers from valley fire agencies, and the Truckee Meadows fire department stated a strike squad was on its way.
As of this writing, the Palisades Fire is approximately 3,000 acres and has no containment, while the Eaton Fire is 2,227 acres and has no containment. Two small fires are raging nearby.
Hurricane-force winds have intensified the fires, prompting evacuation orders and red flag warnings across various zones.