Advertisement

Fire near Reno may have been caused by power lines

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Fire officials in Reno said Saturday they believe arcing power lines were the likely cause of the wind-driven Caughlin fire that destroyed 15 homes and damaged at least 40 others.

The 2,000-acre fire was 65% contained Saturday afternoon, and officials expect to continue making progress into Sunday, said Sharon Spangler, a spokeswoman for the City of Reno.

Advertisement

Officials began allowing the nearly 10,000 people who were evacuated to return to their homes.

PHOTOS: Caughlin fire

The Caughlin fire erupted just after midnight Friday, as heavy winds sent flames surging toward densely populated hillside neighborhoods.

Though no official cause for the blaze has been determined, it appears power lines are to blame. Investigators have ruled out that partying teenagers or a homeless campfire sparked the fire, Spangler said.

ALSO:

Caughlin fire: Blaze’s forward progress stopped

Advertisement

Portland pepper spray incident generates iconic photo

Ex-Oklahoma lawmaker dies in plane crash that killed 2 coaches

-- Stephen Ceasar

Reuters

Advertisement