Fast moving wildfire south of Gardnerville

5:15 p.m. update: Weather is helping fire fighters on the fire burning south of Gardnerville.

Recommended evacuations have been lifted and residents can return to their homes in the Ruhenstroth area. The area on the west side of Highway 395, including Stone’s Throw, Frontage Road and the Riverview Mobile Home Park remain closed to the residents.

Highway 395 north and southbound will be opening soon, single lane only with a pilot vehicle.

“The conditions are improving due the light rain, decrease in the winds and cooler temperatures,” said Deputy Chief Dave Fogerson.

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4:40 p.m. update: Forward progress on the wildland fire burning near the Lahontan Fish Hatchery south of Gardnerville has been stopped. One the smoke cleared, officials have determined the fire to be 75 acres in size, smaller than the earlier reported 140 acres.

There has been a loss of 2 primary structures and 3 outbuildings.

There are recommended evacuations in progress for the Ruhenstroth area in Gardnerville. Large animal evacuation point is the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Dump Rd.

Residents can go the Senior Center in Gardnerville for evacuation.

There is extensive mutual aid from northern Nevada agencies such as Carson City, Bureau of Land Management, Tahoe Douglas, Antelope Valley, Reno, Truckee Meadows, Storey, Lake Valley, Mono, Alpine, Incline, Nevada Division of Forestry and Smith Valley Fire.

East Fork is utilizing 35 engines, 1 dozer, and 2 helicopters.

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3:39 p.m. update: Two homes and three outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire at this time, according to a dispatch report from East Fork Fire Protection District.

Community and Senior Center Number 775-782-5500 ext #1 for evacuees and pets.

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3:25 p.m. update: Crews are battling a 140 acre wildfire fire in Douglas County, just south of Gardnerville near the Rhuenstroth subdivision.

The fire broke out around 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon for unknown reasons along the Carson River in the Indian Trail Road area. High wind speeds are causing the fire to spread.

Recommended evacuations in progress for the Ruhenstroth area in Gardnerville.

Residents can go the Senior Center in Gardnerville for evacuation.Please enter on the Community and Senior Center side of the building. East Fork Fire, Douglas County Sheriff’s, Search and Rescue and DCSO Posse are all working together to notify the residents and remove large animals from the area.

Nevada Highway Patrol officials reports US 395 is being shut down in both directions near Riverview Drive.

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2:35 p.m. update: Douglas County Emergency Management is currently working on a wildland fire in the area near the Lahontan Fish Hatchery near 395. There is a recommended evacuations in progress for the Ruhenstroth area in Gardnerville.

Residents can go the Senior Center in Gardnerville for evacuation. East Fork Fire, Douglas County Sheriff’s, Search and Rescue and DCSO Posse are all working together to notify the residents and remove large animals from the area.

It is estimated to be 100 acres with structures threatened. Units are arriving on scene and engaged in struture potection and initial attack. Jusisdiction is under unified command between the BLM and East Fork FPD. There are currently 10 engines 2 Handcrews and 4 Overhead units at the fire.

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Fire crews from Douglas County to Carson City and surrounding counties have been called Sunday afternoon to a fast moving wild land fire burning off of Highway 395 and Wiseman south of Gardnerville.

The fire has burned up to 50 acres and is moving fast, being fueled by gusty winds threatening several homes. Carson City Fire Department has responded and according to scanner traffic, motorists along Highway 395 are being stopped near Topsy Lane to allow for emergency vehicle access.

Lyon and Storey County are sending firefighters, according to dispatchers.

The fire started about 1:10 p.m. and is burning on both sides of the Carson River in the Indian Trail Road area, according to East Fork Fire Capt. Terry Taylor said. Winds are gusting to 40 mph. No airtankers or helicopters are available because of the wind, Taylor said.

Nearby residents in the Ruhenstroth area of Douglas County have been advised of a potential evacuation due to the wildfire, in the event it crosses Highway 395. Search and Rescue personnel are going door to door notifying residents of the possibility.

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