Highway 395 re-opened after Carter fire burns 2,000 acres south of Gardnerville

UPDATE 8:45AM: Highway 395 has reopened with controls (pilot vehicle) so expect delays and watch for fire vehicles, according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.
The fire, which has burned more than 2,000 acres, is burning mostly upslope east of Highway 395 into predominately BLM public lands in the southern Pine Nut Mountains. There is a decreasing threat to approximately 30 homes west of the highway. If the fire were to jump the highway, however, this is looking less likely as fire personnel consolidate fire lines. No structures have been lost at this time. Power lines down at the fire scene, but they are deenergized, which is impacting some local rural residences. The fire is 5 percent contained. Full containment expected by Sept. 24. An aerial reconnaisance this morning will evaluate fire acreage and behavior. Nine airtankers are currently assigned to the incident, which includes four large airtankers and five single-engine airtankers (SEATs).
Structure protection is being handled by units of the East Fork Fire Protection District (Douglas County).
Incident Command Post is at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
One minor firefighter non-burn injury reported.

UPDATE 7:45PM: The Carter Springs Fire south of Gardnerville has swelled to 1,500 acres, the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center reports.
There is a decreasing threat to approximately 30 residences west of Highway 395 if the fire were to jump the highway, however, this is looking less likely as fire personnel consolidate fire lines. No structures have been lost at this time. Power lines down at the fire scene, but they are deenergized.
Highway 395 remains closed from Riverview on the north end and the Highway 208 intersection on the south end. The fire is burning mostly upslope east of the highway into predominately BLM public lands in the southern Pine Nut Mountains.

UPDATE 6:40PM: The Carter Springs Fire South of Gardnerville has doubled in size to 500-plus acres, reports Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center. U.S. 395 is currently closed from Riverview on the north end and the Highway 208 intersection on the south end. The fire is burning on the east side of the highway and has not yet jumped the pavement to the west side.
Thirty residences reported threatened, however, no structures lost at this time. Power lines down at the fire scene, but they are deenergized.

UPDATE 5:40PM: The following is from Douglas County Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Halsey: The Carter Springs fire burning in south Douglas County has grown to approximately 200 acres and is at zero percent containment at this time.
Hand crews have been successful thus far in keeping the fire on the east side of US Hwy 395, while the main firefighting effort is still being made via water drops from helicopter.
A joint command was established between East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to manage the incident.
Approximately 300 firefighters are engaged in the firefighting effort; agencies include: East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts, Tahoe-Douglas Fire District, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Division of Forestry, Carson City Fire Dept, Lyon County Fire Dept, and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

UPDATE 3:43PM: A wildfire that was reported at around 12:30 Friday afternoon near Ray May Way and Highway 395 south of Gardnerville has grown to 150 acres, according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center. No structures have burned. There are five primary structures, presumably homes, that are threatened; one firefighter has been injured and there is no estimate of control or containment. The Carter Springs fire is said to be moving toward Highway 395, which is closed from Riverview on the north end and the Highway 208 intersection on the south end. Fire behavior is currently severe and erratic due to increasing winds.

UPDATE: 2:32PM: A firefighter has been injured this afternoon fighting the Carter Springs fire off of Ray May Way and Highway 395 in Douglas County. There is no estimation of control or containment at this time. No homes have been burned but there are five primary structures, presumably homes, within a quarter mile of the fire.

UPDATE 2:09PM: Firefighters in Douglas County have been dispatched to a growing wildland fire, said to be at least 30 acres, burning off of Highway 395 and Ray May Way near Gardnerville. Tahoe Douglas fire crews have also been called for mutual aid. Highway 395 is closed at Ray May Way to the north, and Pine Valley Rd to the south, to allow East Fork Fire units to access the area. There is discussion among NHP to close the highway at Riverview because of traffic congestion. That has not yet been confirmed.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jim Halsey reports "A unified command has been established with East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)."
The fire, reported before 1 this afternoon, is said to be rapidly growing and there are structures and homes threatened, according to firefighters on the scene and Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.
The fire is putting off smoke and flames and is being fueled by erratic winds. Power lines are reportedly down. A helicopter response team has been issued and one helicopter is doing water drops. It is unknown how many structures are threatened but firefighters on the scene are talking about possible evacuations in the area south of the fire. Traffic on Highway 395 is being rerouted. A firefighting strike team has been ordered.
Multiple fire agencies are being called to respond from outside of the valley, according to dispatchers. The staging area is China Springs. Go here for the latest from Sierra Front.