Geiger Grade fire grows to more than 500 acres, evacuations continue
Submitted by editor on Sat, 07/30/2011 - 5:49pm
A fire burning near the border of Storey and Washoe counties in the Geiger Grade area has swelled to more than 500 acres, according to the latest report from Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.
The Bain Street Fire is burning on Nevada Division of Forestry land and has not, at the time, burned any structures, the agency says.
An evacuation order will be lifted for all portions of Toll Road by 10 Saturday night with one lane on State Route 341 set to reopen, with a pilot car, when the evacuation order is given the all-clear.
An evacuation center has been set up at Galena High School off State Route 431. Evacuees with large animals can call (775) 322-3647 for more information.
No structures have been reported lost at this time of reporting.
Virginia City Middle School was also said to be an evacuation site, according to KOLO TV Channel 8 in Reno.
Gusty winds of 40 mph and a change in wind direction are anticipated, said Sierra Front Information Officer Mark Struble.
Pinion pines, brush and grass are the primary fuels burning on public land. Firefighters have been notified to take appropariate safety precautions. The cause of fire is under investigation. Fire agencies from outside the area are continuing with the initial attack, Struble said.
All available fire suppression resources have been diverted to this incident, including agencies from Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe. No measureable precipitation has been received on the fire as of early Saturday evening, Struble said.
