UPDATE 10:50AM: Effective immediately, Topaz Lake is closed to all public access to allow for uninterrupted aerial firefighting efforts in response to the Conner Fire.
The closure is being implemented in coordination with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and the Walker River Irrigation District. The decision follows the deployment of Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” aircraft, which will be using the lake as a water source to assist with wildfire suppression.
For public and pilot safety, all recreational activities on and around the lake — including boating, swimming, and shoreline access — are prohibited until further notice. Crews require an unobstructed water surface to conduct repeated scooping operations safely and effectively.
Douglas County thanks the public for their cooperation during this critical time. The closure will remain in place as long as aerial operations are active. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
UPDATE 9AM: The Conner Fire experienced significant growth yesterday, moving approximately 10 miles in a northeasterly direction, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The fire remains estimated at 13,901 acres as of Saturday morning.
The fire originated from a structure fire, the cause of the structure fire is undetermined. The fire is being driven by light flashy fuels such as dry grasses and brush that ignite easily, burn rapidly, and spread quickly especially in windy conditions. Winds reached up to 45 mph, creating extreme conditions that grounded all firefighting aircraft. Firefighters remained focused on point protection, working to safeguard homes and infrastructure ahead of the fire’s advance.
Overnight, dozers made solid progress, establishing anchor points off Pinenut Road above Robinson Road and pushing north-northeast toward Lone Pine Road. Today, crews are focused on strengthening containment lines, continuing structure protection efforts where needed, and conducting mop-up operations to extinguish residual heat along the fire’s edge. In the higher elevations, greener, less cured fuels are helping to slow fire behavior, offering some advantage to suppression efforts.
The fire is being managed through a multi-agency response, including resources from local, state, and federal agencies in both Nevada and California. A Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will assist with coordination and strategic planning bringing approximately 30 trained personnel. The team includes specialists in operations, logistics, planning, and public information, helping to coordinate resources, manage strategy, and support firefighters on the ground. The IMT allows for more efficient organization and enhances safety and communication as suppression efforts continue.
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The Conner Fire in the Pinenut Range, eight miles southeast of Gardnerville has burned an estimated 13,901 acres, according to the Bureau of Land Management. At last report Friday there was no containment.
The fire is exhibiting extreme wind-driven behavior, with rapid uphill runs. Sustained winds are pushing the fire to make fast, intense runs, especially on slopes and through aligned fuels. This is considered running fire, meaning it is spreading quickly and with high intensity, challenging suppression efforts.
Ground crews and engines are actively engaged in suppression efforts, and dozers are being utilized where appropriate. Aircraft are currently assisting with suppression, though gusty winds, combined with low humidity, may impact their operations.
An Evacuation Order been issued for Old Ranch Road north of Out-R-Way. Residents in this area should evacuate immediately and follow directions from emergency personnel.
The public is asked to follow all evacuation orders and respect area closures to keep both the community and first responders safe. Additionally, a Precautionary Evacuation Warning has been issued for a portion of the Fish Springs area. Residents in the warning zone should prepare now for a potential evacuation, especially those with large animals, mobility needs, or other access and functional challenges.
For the most current evacuation information, please visit: https://www.douglascountynv.gov/ or https://app.perimeterplatform.com/incidents/polygon/63651
To monitor power outages, visit: https://www.nvenergy.com/outages-and…/view-current-outages
For updated incident command fire information from inciweb go here.
Visit https://www.NevadaFireInfo.org for real-time fire maps, webcams, fire restrictions, and wildfire prevention resources.
Click here to view the evacuation map: https://app.perimeterplatform.com/incidents/polygon/63651
Resources for evacuees include:
Large Animal Evacuation: Douglas County Fairgrounds (920 Dump Rd, Gardnerville, NV 89410) is open for large animals. Please enter through the east entrance past the main entrance.
Temporary Evacuation Point: Located at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center (senior side), 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville.
Visit Douglas County’s incident page for more information: https://www.douglascountynv.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12493103&pageId=20884925
Douglas County will continue to provide evacuation and community impact updates as conditions evolve. Fire information is now being managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
