A wildland fire that broke out early Wednesday in the hills just west of Carson City has blackened thousands of acres, burned dozens of structures and is threatening hundreds of homes and businesses.
The blaze has burned 8,200 acres, nine homes and at least 27 buildings have been destroyed and 500 homes and 50 commercial businesses are being threatened.
Wednesday afternoon firefighters were forced to fall back from protecting homes because of the fire's intensity. Wind gusts were blowing up to thirty miles an hour.
At 1:30 p.m., the fire burned in all directions, destroying residences on the west side of Carson City. The fire continued moving in all directions, burning north and south throughout the length of the city. Mandatory evacuations occurred in subdivisions along the west side of the city in Kings Canyon, Ash Canyon, and Timberline. Voluntary evacuations were in effect in other areas.
Late in the afternoon, areas south of Kings Canyon were evacuated, and businesses also fell victim to the blaze.
25 Comstock era buildings, all dating back to the 1870's, were also lost.
Two firefighting rigs, one ambulance and one privately owned vehicle were burned when the fire was fanned by gusty winds and abruptly changed directions as it raced through brush and timber.
Sierra Front officials say four firefighters were injured, including one with a broken leg, another with a neck injury and two with burns.
The fire burned in all directions along US-395 and north of US-50, damaging power lines and threatening the major power lines to Lake Tahoe as well as the Carson City water system.
Approximately 900 firefighters are on the scene from as far away as Sacramento. The ground crews were assisted by seven air tankers and ten helicopters, who dropped 160,000 gallons of retardant on Wednesday.
Those crews will be joined by a "Type-1" National Command Team on Thursday.
More than 1,000 families were evacuated Wednesday, many will be allowed to return to those homes Thursday.
Firefighters will inform families of the status of their homes at a Thursday morning meeting to be held at the Carson City Supervisor's Chambers at 851 East Williams Street at 9:00 AM.
Evacuated families are staying at the Red Cross shelter at Carson High School located at 1111 North Saliman Road in Carson City. For additional information call the Red Cross at 856-1000.
King's, Longview and Bristol are shut down and fire officials are asking that the public avoid the area.
Fire officials say this morning's light may produce changes in the acreage and the number of structures burned.
Officials have no estimate of containment or control.
Authorities say the fire was human-caused and they are still looking for a potential witness they would like to question. The person was driving a 78 Dodge truck with Nevada license plate 250-NYZ. They are asking anyone who sees, or has information on this vehicle to call the Carson City Sheriff's office or Secret Witness at 322-4900.
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