08/10/2026
🚒 WHAT IS A TASK FORCE?
Last week, Elko County sent a Task Force from the Secret Fire to assist our neighbors on the Ward Fire near Ely. The Task Force completed its assignment and returned home on Sunday.
A task force is a group of different types of resources assembled under one leader to accomplish a specific mission. Instead of sending just an engine or crew, it combines personnel, equipment, and capabilities into one organized package.
The Elko County Task Force included:
• 1 Chief Officer — serving as the Task Force Leader.
• Devils Gate Fire Suppression Module — a Type 6 wildland engine, a 10-person squad/crew, and a chase vehicle with a side-by-side and water capability.
• 1 Dozer with 2 DZIA — Dozer Operator, Initial Attack personnel — sending two qualified operators gave the dozer the ability to operate around the clock if needed while allowing crews to rotate and maintain safe work/rest periods.
• 1 Masticator — specialized equipment that mulches vegetation and acts as a force multiplier for hand crews by reducing fuels, creating defensible space, and helping establish fireline.
• 1 Tactical Water Tender — staffed with two personnel and capable of supplying water to crews while also directly supporting firefighting operations.
The strength of a task force is flexibility. These resources can work together to build fireline, reduce fuels, protect structures, improve access, supply water, and directly engage the fire.
Mutual aid works both ways. When resources are available, Elko County supports our neighbors across Nevada, just as those same partners support us when fire activity increases here at home.
While these resources were assisting our neighbors, Elko County remained covered at home. We maintain available crews, volunteers, apparatus, and partner support so we can continue responding to everyday emergencies and new incidents across the county. Supporting our neighbors is important, but Elko County remains our first priority.
