The Atomic Energy Commission established a restricted perimeter around Area 13 at Nellis Air Force Range in 1958, following a radioactive dispersal test conducted in April 1957.
DateJanuary 1, 1958LocationNevada Test and Training Range, Nevada🇺🇸TypeProgramCountry🇺🇸 United States Background
Background
Following Project 57 No. 1, a safety experiment involving radioactive dispersal conducted on April 24, 1957 in Area 13 at the northeast boundary of the Nevada Test and Training Range, the Atomic Energy Commission implemented containment measures.
Containment Measures
In 1958, a barbed wire fence was installed around the contaminated zone. Warning signs were posted indicating "do not enter" and identifying the presence of nuclear material, establishing a physical and administrative barrier to prevent unauthorized access.
Significance
This action reflected Cold War-era protocols for managing radioactive contamination from weapons testing and safety experiments. The designation of Area 13 as a restricted zone demonstrated the hazardous legacy of nuclear weapons development activities conducted at the Nevada Test Site complex.