Fast moving brush fire south of Carson City knocked down, crews working on hotspots
UPDATE 5:57PM: Fire crews have knocked down the Topsy Fire and are mopping up hotspots, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It was noted that there were a number of lightning strikes in the area shortly before the fire started.
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UPDATE 5:05PM: A Carson City Fire Department battalion chief noted the threat to structures has been reduced as the weather is cooperating, crews are hammering it and the helicopter water drops are working. Carson Now publisher Kirk Caraway, who is on scene of the fire, notes the choppers are circling the area, dumping water on hotspots.
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UPDATE 4:54 PM: Evacuations are happening for homes in the area north of Topsy Lane near the Carson City county line. While the larger column of smoke has been reduced some, firefighters on scene report the fire is continuing to move at a rapid clip, fueled by gusty winds.
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UPDATE 4:38PM: The Topsy Fire is moving in a northerly direction, being pushed by winds, near the Douglas County, Carson City line. It continues to burn out of control. Battalion chiefs on scene have requested immediate air tanker support to fly in to drop retardant on the fire.
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East Fork Fire and Carson City Fire Department were called Thursday afternoon to a fast moving brush fire south of Carson City near Indian Hills, Highway 395 north of Topsy Lane.
Multiple fire engines and brush units are responding to the fire, said to be an acre and growing quickly, with homes and other structures threatened.
Highway 395 near Indian Hills and Topsy Lane has been closed as the fire is moving and has crossed Topsy Lane.
A Carson City Fire Department battalion chief notes that the fire is moving north toward Carson City line. It is unclear at this time how many homes are threatened. Some evacuation notifications have been made around the area of the fire. It is unknown at this time if any structure or homes have burned.
The fire broke out just after 4 p.m. The cause is unknown at this time. Carson City Fire Department had sent a brush unit to a fire raging north of Reno in the Red Rock area. The brush engine was said to be returning back to Carson City to fight the Topsy Fire.
Carson City is sending brush units as well as other agencies which have been called to fight the fire. An air attack has also been requested.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.