Truck malfunction apparent cause of the over 18,000 acre Numbers Fire
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/13/2020 - 4:20pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Numbers Fire is now at 18,340 acres and 98 percent contained.
The fire started on July 6 at approximately 6:50 p.m. near the Pine View Estates area south of Gardnerville. Investigators found several fires along Highway 395 that they believe are related to the Numbers Fire.
Investigators with the East Fork Fire Protection District, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service worked together over the past week to determine the origin and cause of these fires.
They gathered physical evidence that indicates a semi-tractor trailer truck, while operating southbound on Highway 395, most likely experienced a failure in its exhaust system. This possible failure allowed hot particles to be discharged along the highway right-of-way, igniting dry grass and brush.
Any persons who may have additional information about a semi-tractor trailer truck seen on Highway 395 heading south at around 6:45 p.m. on July 6, 2020, in the area of the Numbers Fire, are encouraged to use the following e-mail address 2020firetips@gmail.com.
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