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State To Investigate Radioactive Waste Site Fire In Nevada

LAS VEGAS (AP) — State officials say they don't know what sparked a fire at a closed commercial radioactive waste dump in rural southern Nevada, but the state will handle the probe and cleanup.

Nevada Public Safety chief James Wright told reporters Tuesday the state has jurisdiction and the ability — even if it means state agencies investigate each other.

The low-level radioactive waste site is on state land about 115 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

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An official says U.S. Environmental Protection Agency crews never reached the 80-acre site on Monday. They returned to Los Angeles and Las Vegas after measurements found no escaped radiation.

No injuries were reported after the fire burned itself out early Monday. It began during intense thunderstorms Sunday.

Roads and schools have reopened in nearby Beatty and Amargosa Valley.

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