Brush fire in Big Bend State Park outside of Laughlin 75 percent contained

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — UPDATE, 8/18 - 4:30 PM| The Big Bend fire is now 75 percent contained, and crews on scene are currently mopping up the last of the flames.

One helicopter called in to assist with the fire was released while 130 personnel remain onsite.

Needles Highway remains closed as personnel continue repairing the area's internet infrastructure and power lines damaged in the fire.

There was no word on when Needles Highway is expected to reopen.

UPDATE, 8/19 - 7 AM | The Big Bend Fire near Laughlin has reached around 200 to 225 acres in size, according to a spokesperson for the Nevada Division of Forestry.

Crews have reached 50% containment as of Monday morning, said Jennifer Ramella. No structures are threatened, and no injuries have been reported.

Big Bend State Park remains closed, along with Needles Highway, though the road is expected to reopen later Monday, Ramella said.

Federal and state helicopters are headed to the fire from northern Nevada to perform bucket drops.

UPDATE 9:30 PM | The Big Bend Fire continues to burn while CCFD and multiple other agencies suppress the flames.

Primary concerns for the fire were visitors and structures, according to CCFD spokesperson John Steinbeck.

The fire reached more than 100 acres.

UPDATE 7:00 PM| According to Fire Chief Larry Haydu, multiple power lines have been damaged in the fire.

Residents and businesses in the area may be experiencing outages.

Needles Highway may be closed in the area until Monday afternoon, Aug. 19, according to Chief Haydu.

UPDATE 5:20 PM| The Nevada Division of Forestry is the lead agency on the Big Bend Fire.

According to the agency's spokesperson, approximately six to eight acres have burned.

There is no word on containment. Crews are working on the ground and are being assisted by two single-engine tankers dropping retardant on the flames.

Around 500 park visitors have been evacuated, and the park has been closed.

The NDF spokesperson said that a maintenance building and fee booth at the entrance of the park are currently threatened.

CCFD is working alongside multiple other agencies to protect the structures.

UPDATE 4:50 PM| According to CCFD, federal as well as various local and state agencies are being called in to assist with the fire.

Crews on the scene have requested air resources as well.

There is no estimate as to the size of the fire, but firefighters report that a substantial portion of the Big Bend State Park is burning.

The campground at the park has bee evacuated, and there have been no reported injuries.

UPDATE 4:30 PM| According to LVMPD, the department is assisting CCFD with closing Needles Highway. All traffic is being diverted.

No injuries have been reported.

ORIGINAL| The Clark County Fire Department is responding to an outside fire near Big Bend Colorado State Recreation area, located outside of Laughlin, Nevada, on Sunday afternoon.

According to PulsePoint, the fire was reported around 1:20 p.m.

No other information was immediately available.

Needles Highway is shut down in both directions near the park, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Everyone is urged to avoid the area.

Check back for updates.