Wildfires impact Douglas County and Gardnerville

Wildfires are impacting the Douglas County region, including the Eagle Fire in the Pine Nut Mountains. Started by lightning, the Eagle Fire has zero containment and is burning along the ridgetop above Minnehaha Canyon. Due to the remote terrain, firefighters are utilizing aircraft, including single engine air tankers and scooper aircraft, for direct attacks. Topaz Lake has been closed to allow aircraft water access, and several roads are closed to facilitate emergency operations.

In a separate incident in Gardnerville, a structure fire on Cedar Circle caused severe damage to a home after spreading into nearby wildland. All residents evacuated safely before firefighters arrived. The response was complicated by strong winds, a limited hydrant system, and an exposed propane tank releasing gas. While the home was heavily damaged, crews successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to neighboring properties.

Additionally, the Bug and Fred fires have merged, burning over 57,000 acres with zero percent containment. This combined fire is threatening thousands of homes north and northwest of Reno.