Air tanker crashes northeast of Fallon

One of eight air tankers fighting a wildland fire 45 miles northeast of Fallon crashed this afternoon, reports the Bureau of Land Management.

According to Kai Olsen, center manager for the Central Nevada Dispatch, the plane was a converted one-seat crop duster used for fire suppression. He did not have any information regarding the status of the pilot.

The plane crashed approximately 3:50 p.m. by the north end of the Clan Alpine Range.

A care flight helicopter from Lovelock and the Longhorns Search and Rescue from Naval Air Station are currently en route.

The tanker is based out of McDermitt but was assigned the BLM's Battle Mountain District.

The Hoyt Fire has burned approximately 250 acres. The terrain consists of pinon-juniper trees, sagebrush and grass.

The fire was first reported this morning at 9:15 a.m.