Sierra Front: Residents can return to homes, Clear Creek fire remains at 300 acres

UPDATE 440PM: Firefighters have contained the fire by 35 percent. Resources have managed to keep a hold of the fire. There were two small slop overs that are being held in place by helicopter and crew work.

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UPDATE 1020AM: All roads are now open. Residents can go back to their homes, however be alert and aware of the fire, and weather patterns in the area. The evacuation center at the Carson City Community Center is now closed. Animals can still be taken to Fuji Park.

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UPDATE 926AM: The Clear Creek fire remains at 300 acres, 25 percent contained as of 9 a.m., according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center. No injuries reported. Vista Grande to Golf Course Drive is only open to residents. Around 40 homes in Clear Creek subdivision are under voluntary evacuation. Residents can go to the Carson City Community Center. Animals can be taken to Fuji Park.

The weather seems to be favoring the firefighters battling the Clear Creek Fire today. According to CarsonWeather.com, winds are expected to be light, with humidity above 60 percent.

The northwest flank of the fire (the steep side on the south side of Clear Creek Canyon) is still active. As a precaution, structure engines are staging in the Jacks Valley and Clear Creek subdivisions.

Be cautious when driving on roads around the fire area, as fire personnel and equiptment are present.

Residents are urged to call 911 with an accurate description of location if you see any fires that may have resulted from the lightning we experienced last night. Fuels could be smoldering still from yesterday evening's storm.

Aircraft is actively making retardant drops.
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UPDATE 750AM: Douglas County Sheriff's Office reports 300 acres and 25 percent containment. No reports of structures burned. Clear Creek Road from Lower Clear Creek to Clubhouse Road is closed.

Hand crews made significant work through the night while the winds were light and humidity was higher. The plan for this morning is to utilize aircraft beginning at 8 am and fresh hand crews to focus on the Northwest flank of the fire, which is just south of Highway 50.

About 40 residences within the Clear Creek Subdivision were notified of the potential need for an evacuation, according to DSCO. Clear Creek Road is closed except for homeowners from Lower clear Creek to Clubhouse Road.

Concerns at this time are for potential additional fire starts in the surrounding area from lighting strikes that have not been identified at this time. Should anyone see a fire, they are asked to call 911 with accurate information.

Fire Status:
Acres Burned: Approximately 300 acres
Current Containment: 25 percent containment at this time
Expected Full Containment: Unknown at this time
Damage Assessment (in progress): residences destroyed, outbuilding destroyed, residences damaged. None at this time
Residences Threatened (various levels of threat with respect of location):
Homes are threatened in the area of the Clear Creek subdivision, North of Jacks Valley Road from Hwy 395, Alpine View Subdivision to Genoa Lake #2
Commercial Properties Threatened (various levels of threat with respect of location): None at this time
Personnel currently assigned to the incident: 300
Engines: to be determined
Crews: 11
Dozers: 1
Water Tenders: 1
Air Tankers: 1 heavy and 1 seat type two
Helicopters: 4
Firefighters Injured to date: None at this time
Cause: Lightning
Estimated Costs to date: to be determined

Road Closures: Clear Creek Road from Lower Clear Creek to Clubhouse Road

Evacuation Shelter Locations: Carson City Community Center

Animal Shelter Locations: FUJI PARK, next to Costco.

Contact Numbers: Sierra Front 775-782-1428

Social Media: Sierra Front web site at Sierrafront.net or call 775-782-1428, or the Douglas County Facebook page.

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UPDATE 725AM: The Clear Creek fire has grown to 300 acres, with immediate threats continued to structures and and no official word on containment, according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch in a 7 a.m. briefing.

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3AM: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong confirmed that evacuations are underway this morning from Golf Course Drive, Jeffery Pine Lane to Old Clear Creek Road.

There are about 20 to 30 homes in the area. Evacuees are urged to go to the Carson City Community Center. Animals can be sent to Fuji Park. The orders came down at around 1:45 a.m. Carson City Sheriff's deputies were knocking on doors, informing homeowners to leave their properties and evacuate.

Of the homeowners, several have horses. One resident advised that he had at least 20 horses that he needed help relocating. Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital advised on its Facebook page that if anyone needs help with pets to call (775) 315-3174.

Carson City Search and Rescue is assisting with the efforts to get homeowners and occupants out of the area.

The fire is moving toward the homes and has picked up considerably since midnight, fire officials said. Crews from California Department of Forestry arrived at that command center shortly before 2 a.m. awaiting instructions.

The Carson City Community Center is located at 851 East William Street. Fuji Park is located at 601 Old Clear Creek Road.
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