A devastating wildfire broke out at Borehole Spring near Tecopa, California, overnight on February 11, inflicting catastrophic damage to the hot spring which is also a delicate wetland habitat of the endangered and endemic Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis). The fire consumed a significant area of critical bulrush habitat surrounding the spring, posing a severe threat to one of the few remaining wetland refuges essential for the vole’s survival.
Firefighters from the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIFPD) responded swiftly to the popular soaking site, managing to contain the blaze without assistance from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fire. However, initial eyewitness reports indicate that emergency responders had to escort a reluctant individual from the scene, raising further questions about the fire’s origins. Although investigations are still underway, these accounts suggest that a bottle rocket was ignited near the spring, sparking the inferno.
Local residents have long voiced concerns over reckless behavior in the area, particularly regarding visitors who travel from far and wide to soak in the hot spring, setting campfires too close to the fragile ecosystem. Many feared a disaster was inevitable. Despite the area being under BLM management, oversight has been minimal, leaving the habitat vulnerable to human interference.
A Forewarned Disaster
Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed his deep frustration and sorrow over the loss on a local Facebook thread, blaming the BLM for failing to act despite repeated warnings.
“Total disaster. Catastrophic for the Amargosa vole. I’ve been warning BLM this would happen for a decade, and it was why we sued them over their mismanagement of Borehole a couple of years ago. That lawsuit is in abeyance because they promised they would put interim measures in place to protect the area, which they did not do.”
Donnelly further urged the public to stay away from the burned site, emphasizing the risk of invasive species taking over the habitat due to human foot traffic.
“Recently burned areas are very susceptible to invasive species, which people can unknowingly bring in on their shoes. We could lose that habitat forever if we don’t stay out of it until it starts to rehabilitate.”
According to Donnelly, Borehole Spring is a federally designated critical habitat for the Amargosa vole—the highest level of protection available under the Endangered Species Act. He emphasized that the BLM’s neglect has led to a clear violation of this law, with tragic and foreseeable consequences.
“That was the main and best vole habitat during the winter months. Now it’s gone.”
Along with Mason Voehl from Amargosa Conservancy, Donelly wrote a letter to Marc Stamer, manager of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office to take immediate steps, including:
- Emergency closure of Borehole Spring to recreational use to prevent further habitat degradation.
- Initiation of a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) to secure funding for restoration efforts.
- Development of a site restoration plan in collaboration with conservation partners to rehabilitate the affected wetland.
- Implementation of a recreation management plan before reopening the site to prevent future damage.
They write, “Borehole Spring is a blown out mineral exploration well which has discharged thermal water steadily since its creation in the 1960s, it is hydrologically connected to the Amargosa River, the associated wetlands and spring complex. It now is a popular recreation area, featured on dozens of hot spring and travel websites, on YouTube channels with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and in national publications such as the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. This has led to a steady increase in visitation in recent years.”
The deadline for BLM to formalize a management plan to protect the habitat was previously extended from December 31, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
Fire Response and Community Impact
The Borehole Spring fire occurred mere days after the SIFPD held a significant meeting to discuss the future of its operations. Topics on the agenda included the allocation of incoming grant money from county and federal sources, recruitment efforts for new firefighters and EMTs, and a training program to certify Nevada state residents for firefighting duties in California. While these plans are still in early stages, the recent fires underscore the urgent need for enhanced fire protection measures.
The community had already been rattled by another fire along Old Spanish Trail just days before, when a fifth-wheel trailer caught fire while traveling toward Las Vegas. That blaze damaged telephone lines, cutting off service to the area. SIFPD was on the scene there as well, without back up support.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the destruction of a vital ecosystem and the troubling questions surrounding its mismanagement. For now, the charred remains of Borehole Spring stand as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and nature—and the consequences of neglect.
Meanwhile, community members were looking forward to the upcoming Vole Fest, hosted by Friends of the Amargosa Basin (FAB). Local Susan Sorrells encouraged residents to participate, stating,“FAB is having the Vole Fest on March 29-31, and I’m sure that this tragedy will be a subject of conversation.” The event aims to raise awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the region’s delicate ecosystems.
If you were a witness to this event or have any information pertaining to the fire, please share your tips with us on this page. Anonymous tips are welcome.
For updates on the efforts to restore the Borehole Spring and vole habitat, and to learn more about how to participate in volunteer efforts, please join the mailing list below.
Friends of the Borehole
Photos by Scott Williams
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