Skinner Fire (East Lake Fire)
Location: northeast side of Washoe Valley 15 miles south of Reno
Date of Origin: 04/29/2008 PM
Cause: powerline downed Tuesday afternoon by fierce winds
Situation as of 04/30/08
Total Personnel: 250
Size: 962 acres
Percent contained: 75 %
Full containment was expected by nightfall.
Summary: Though conditions remained breezy Wednesday, the wind was tame compared to the 70 mph gale-force winds Tuesday. The fire briefly forced the closure of U.S. 395, the main highway between Reno and Nevada’s capital, Carson City, during the evening rush hour. Students at an elementary school in nearby Pleasant Valley also were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters were able to keep the flames from four hillside homes, though a pump house and shed were burned. Five firefighters were treated at a local hospital for eye irritations caused by blowing ash and embers, officials said.
Tuesday’s strong winds grounded firefighting helicopters and airplanes. By Wednesday, the aerial equipment was not needed.
Info from KOLO TV [here].
