Arson suspected in three Douglas County Fires

Three fires were started in the Gardnerville area in the early morning hours of Sunday.

The first fire started at 1:39 a.m. in a vacant lot behind 1309 Langley Avenue in Douglas County. The fire ignited a power pole next to a 16 unit apartment building. While on the scene, fire fighters were called to a second fire just south of the first fire, behind the Frontier Telephone Exchange.

As fire fighters responded to that fire, a third fire was reported nearby in a vacant field further south along Tillman Ave.

All three fires were extinguished quickly.

Damage to the apartment house electrical system, fence and exterior wall is estimated to be about $2,500. Damage to the NV Energy pole and equipment is unknown at this time. The investigation continues.

Neighbors reported seeing young male(s) in the vicinity, prior to discovering the fires. If anyone has any information, please call Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations at 775 782- 9905 or Douglas County Dispatch at 775-782-5126.