Fossett search HQ moves to Carson

MINDEN - The search for Steve Fossett is moving its headquarters from Minden to the Emergency Management Operations Center in Carson City.

Officials said volunteers, state officials, the Civil Air Patrol, the Nevada National Guard have pursued all leads in what is reported to be the largest and most complex search of its kind in Nevada history.

Fossett disappeared Labor Day morning in a borrowed Citabria Super Decathlon from the Flying M Ranch in southern Lyon County.

Minden-Tahoe Airport served as the headquarters for the search for two weeks.

However, with no sign of Fossett or his aircraft, the active search began to scale back on Monday.

Officials said volunteers will continue to research all leads coming in from Google Earth.

A new e-mail address has been established at fossettsearch@eoc.nv.gov. Four new tip line numbers are (775) 687-0335, (775) 687-0336, (775) 687-0337, (775) 687-0338.

Volunteers will be standing by at the phones from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time.

Search helicopters for the Nevada National Guard are returning to their base at Stead Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is keeping aircraft available at the Minden base. Officials said that should there be a credible report or search request both would be available to follow up.

The Civil Air Patrol is continuing to support the private search going on at the Flying M.