TRE Fire in southern Douglas County grows to 7,500 acres, 15 percent contained

The TRE Fire burning in south Douglas County has grown to 7,500 acres, and is 15 percent contained, officials report Thursday.
The fire continues to burn in the hills to the north and east of the Topaz Ranch Estates residential area. Two homes and 17 structures were destroyed. No additional homes or structures have burned or are in immediate threat. The area in and around the fire is under a red flag warning to 11 p.m. Thursday due to high winds and relatively low humidity.
To date, approximately 575 firefighters from various state and local agencies have responded and are involved in fighting the fire.

Air and ground fighting operations will continue throughout the day. Both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are being utilized. Ground fire crews, supplemented by bulldozer crews, continue to expand and improve ground fire breaks. Structure protection crews continue extinguishing remaining small fires and smoldering areas in and around previously effected residences and private properties.

The Western Great Basin National Type-II Incident Management Team 7 (IC Sommer) has taken command of the incident. Of primary concern for today’s firefighting effort are projected strong winds, estimated to have gusts of up to 45 mph.

With the Memorial Day Weekend coming up, citizens are again reminded to be cognizant of the extreme fire danger posed by dry brush this season, particularly in the northern Sierra Mountain region. Please be responsible if utilizing a campfire - do not leave it unattended and ensure extinguishment of the fire is thorough and complete.