Hawken Fire at 2,703 Acres, 80% Contained

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Operations on the Hawken fire are entering the mop-up phase and crews are starting to be reassigned to other fires. The fire that broke out Monday afternoon in southwest Reno is estimated at 80 percent contained and 2,700 acres.

The threat to area residences & commercial properties is constantly being reduced as the weather turns more favorable for fireline construction and mop-up operations. No evacuations or road closures are in place at this time.

However, the following trails remain closed:

Hunter Creek
Whites Creek
Thomas Creek
Jones Creek/Whites Creek Loop Trail from Galena Creek Regional Park
Ophir Trail from Davis Creek Regional Park

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: CLAYTON Location: RENO on Jul 22, 2007 at 02:45 PM
IAM 9 YEARS OLD,AND I FEEL REALY SAD FOR ALL THE fire FIGHTERS AND ALL THE WILD LIFE. AND PEOPLE SO I HOPE THEY GET IT OUT REALY SOON i hope everybody is ok

Posted by: Marie Location: Reno on Jul 20, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Kate! I live in Caughlin Ranch, so before you put on your higher- than- thou attitude, let me set you straight. Some of the people that have contributed the MOST to society have litterally come from dire poverty and risen above it. Recently, a young woman graduated from a local high school and applied to college. She lived in her car. Was she stupid? No but you show a complete lack of intelligence for your crass, uninformed statements to Dave. My friend is a retired Warden from Soledad State Prison and he can't spell worth a hoot. Is HE stupid? Could you do his job? I am EXTREMELY grateful for the men and women who are fighting our fires. All of the fires. I checked into the pay scales for firefighters and was appalled at how little they receive for putting their lives on the line. God bless them all!!

Posted by: J Location: Reno on Jul 20, 2007 at 09:07 AM
No matter the price of the home or the income of the neighborhood; Thanks to the Firefighters for all they do in saving the homes and risking their lives to do it. Thank you to all of the families that have loved ones fighting the fires. We all need to be thankful for all that is done to save the homes and land that does not get burned. Think of all the people in South Tahoe that are sifting through the ashes to find any remaining memories they can salvage. Give prayers to them that they can recover and rebuild what they lost! We need to remain a community that supports each other not find the negative in one another. Keep the faith for all of Nevada that is on fire right now and think of someone other than yourselves, that may not be in their home right now due to a fire near them like the folks in the Rowland fire on the Nevada/Idaho border. It has burned more that 100,000 acres.

Posted by: Kathryn D Location: Juniper Hills on Jul 20, 2007 at 09:04 AM
To all of the members of the neighborhoods of Caughlin Ranch, Juniper Hills, and Juniper Ridge, we are forming a chapter of the Nevada Fire Safe Council. Our purpose will be to educate about fire saftey, assist neighbors with clearing for fire saftey, mitigate problems associated with damages caused by the Hawken and Plateau fires and more. The first meeting of the WEST RENO CHAPTER OF THE NV FIRE SAFE COUNCIL will be AUGUST 7, 2007 AT 7PM AT THE BARTLEY RANCH INTERPERATIVE CENTER. COME AND SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LEARN ABOUT THE COUNCIL. We will be distributing info to these neighborhoods in the near future with more details. For more info you may email us at westrenonfsc@hotmail.com or go to the web site for the NV fire safe council at nvfsc.org. SEE YOU THERE

Posted by: Mary Sue Location: Traveling on Jul 20, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I am from Nevada but traveling right now. I have felt for years that the Federal Government needs to take control of the forests and abolish the TRPA and the Sierra Club. My prayers are with all of the firefighters and the rsidents of the fire areas.

Posted by: Ann Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Thank God for the Firefighters. All I've heard who fault it is. I believe it's belong to all. We all have a responsibiliy to this town. No HOME were lost. We should give "THANKS TO GOD" or is that to much. One thing I seen since moving to reno. Church isn't important to reno. I believe that a large part of reno problem. Casino, seem to take a large part of city.

Posted by: Scott Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 06:46 PM
The smoke has cleared and I can now see the massive destruction this fire brought(Looking from NW Reno) I have lived here most of my life and will sorely miss the beauty of the forest that will take many years to grow back. The wildlife in the area is also in deep trouble and will be moving towards town looking for food! I also think the Firefighters were simply amazing, and they have my humble thanks as well for saving my fellow community members homes. I am still amazed they were able to get this thing under control...High Winds and all! THANKS AGAIN TO OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND THOSE THAT HELPED!

Posted by: Judy Location: Tonopah on Jul 19, 2007 at 05:18 PM
The firefighters are fantastic! They risk their lives to get the fires out! I hope they get compensated for their dangerous work!!!

Posted by: ROSE Location: RENO on Jul 19, 2007 at 03:11 PM
WOW! I'M SHOCKED........ CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? I THOUGHT THIS WAS A COMMENT AREA TO GIVE EVERYONE HOPE AND SUPPORT, BUT IT TURNS OUT I AM WRONG. EVEN IN A TIME OF NEED WE CAN'T SEEM TO STOP THE ARGUING AND BICKERING. AND WE WONDER WHY OUR COUNTRY IS FALLING APART. IT'S A SHAME.

Posted by: JC Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Hey...Would anybody like to join me for a hike up Alum Creek? Be sure to bring plenty of sun screen and don't forget your dust mask!

Posted by: Marsha Location: reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 02:04 PM
I just want to THANK ALL THE FIRE FIGHTERS!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!! on all the fires!!!!!!

Posted by: PAT Location: RENO on Jul 19, 2007 at 01:30 PM
ALL I'VE HEARD ABOUT MY HOME & THE FIRE. NOT ONCE DID I EVER HEARD "MY YOU GOD". SINCE MOVING TO THIS TOWN. I'VE HEARD CRYING FROM THE NATIVES! CLEAR THE WEEDS FROM YOUR FENCE LINE. DO YOUR PART WHEN LIVING ON AN HILL & PULL THE WEED FROM YOUR HOUSE. THIS FIRE IS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE OAKLND FIRE. DO YOU PART IN CLEANING UP AROUND YOUR HOME....

Posted by: Suzie Location: west Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Thanks to all the firefighters. It is sad that so many people are so hateful when it comes to people having better homes and educations...I never realized how many people were so cruel and nasty until I read some of these comments. Maybe they should spend their time learning to type and spell. All sentences begin with capital letters. I don't know if the spelling is wrong or the incorrect words are typos. These fires affect all of us. I think people have to learn to be more careful when doing things that could spark a fire.

Posted by: Scherry Location: Reno-Damonte area on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:50 AM
We as a community owe special thanks to alll the people involved with getting this nasty fire under control. This includes all the firefighters!!! Thanks to the firefighters for their endurance!!!

Posted by: tara Location: reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:48 AM
i just want to say it sucks that we are getting all these fires. and all the homes that are threatend. but i just wanna say i know that all the people in cali have lost there homes and i feel for them i really do, but if my home was burned down and nobody elses around us i wouldnt get somewhere free to stay i would be on the streets if my house burned down. nobody would feel sorry for me now would they just think if your house was burned down where would you go? the hotles or whatever would not give you a free room now would they??????????????? do you see my point?

Posted by: Neda Location: Eagle, Idaho on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:42 AM
This fire doesn't just effect the local people, it is also effecting every family who has a son or daughter from another area or state helping fight this fire. I currently have a son who works as a hot shot with the Garden Valley, Idaho crew. We pray for their, and all other fire fighters, safety as they put their lives on the line to help put this blaze out. We need to all be thankful that we have these wonderful human beings willing to go out there and do such dangerous work. They are the ones that need all your energy spent on being greatful to have them doing a job you really wouldn't like to have to do.

Posted by: Rick Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:32 AM
FYI, the forest service reseeds burned out areas with cheat grass to control erosion. They did it to a burn near my former home in Arrowcreek. Of course, they did it in our normal high winds, and my lot became a sea of cheat grass. Cause and effect for the next fire?

Posted by: Cathy Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Congratulations Dave for your comment!!! During a time like this who really cares where some one lives or the amount of their income!!! It is a sad time for Northern Nevada during all of these fires and we should all stand together and help everyone else. I agree with you Dave that no matter where someone lives the response time should be the same. Yes shame on you Kate for making your simple minded comment about someone being low income because they make a statment like Dave did,and did not use their correct puncuationa and capitalization. That was a riduculous response to a very serious situaiton we have here. We all need to remember to stand toegether no matter where we live!!!

Posted by: dave Location: reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Kate! I am not an owner of low income housing but thank you for making the assumption and helping those who are think less of themselves. I have a household income of just my wife and I of well over 100k and have a very nice home in damonte, just not up against hills. Thats not the point, the point is that i made a comment about response time and resources used around higher end areas, which most of you will agree. I never said it was a bad thing, i just wished the same response would be used in every area of reno no matter how much the homes cost or what the area looks like. My previous comment says nothing of my income or anything so i dont appreciate that blanket biased assumption of who I am. Thank you Kate for letting everyone know that there are people like you still around that think they are better than others because of social status. You're a shame to Reno. Atleast I'm standing up for other areas in Reno. We are all the same society.

Posted by: Jacqueline Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 09:42 AM
My house is one of those threatened. It is not a mansion. It's just a house, the same as many middle income folks' up there. To say that the fire department has been working harder to save our homes because of a supposed income bracket is so much nasty-minded rubbish. The fire fighters have done a terrific job on every single fire this year. Instead of making up reasons to hate, why not do something positive, like thank a firefighter: buy them a pop or coffee or lunch, or just shake their hand. They are working in grueling heat to protect all of us, poor, middle-income and rich, from a very serious threat. Not one house has been lost in the valley this year. That is astounding!

Posted by: Russ Location: N/W on Jul 19, 2007 at 07:18 AM
Look! People can squack, gripe, and complain, but what good is that gonna do? Fire is already started. This is what happens in the summer in the west. Its too easy. If you live in urban interface make a defensible space, and if you don't, help out and pray for all those firefighters who put there lives on the line to help all of you strangers. Believe me, this is more than likely not going to be the last fire this summer. Complaints and gripes only cause strokes. Shake the firefighters hands and tell them thank you.

Posted by: Toni Location: Reno on Jul 19, 2007 at 05:53 AM
5th Gen. Nevada girl lived in Reno all of my life - been gone for 2 wks and am so saddened by the loss of our surrounding beauty. Reminds me of the destructive Boca fire so many years ago. Thank you Firefighters and all supporting staff for doing what you can to salvage the remaining terrain. When will we learn to work with, instead of against Mother Nature

Posted by: Rose Gordon Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 04:47 PM
I would like to offer my Prayers to all those involved in this fire. At age 9 a fire distroyed my mother's home. I had a small fire in my home a couple of years ago.My Blessings To You ALL

Posted by: Richard Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 04:35 PM
i just hate to see pine trres burn as it will be years before anything grows back..As far as houses, people know where they are living and should think about the safey of their house and family and not to relie on others ....

Posted by: Kate Location: Reno Of Course on Jul 18, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Dave, I can tell you are from lower income housing. You don't even know how to capitalize. I know some not so bright five year-olds that can at least do that. I also have friends who are firefighters, as well as my boyfriend.

Posted by: Elaine Location: Gardnerville on Jul 18, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Has anyone considered that perhaps all these fires are not the result of a dry winter or drought situation, but rather Mother Nature giving her forests a much needed cleansing?

Posted by: ma;ryellen Location: reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Stuff happens. We all do what we can. I guess there's room for the whinners, but the workers are so very appreciated and respected. I send them my thanks.

Posted by: Robin Location: Fernley on Jul 18, 2007 at 03:21 PM
WOW to alot of you...the main thing here is that people are safe and this is just awful...have some heart here...

Posted by: John Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Monte, Monte, Monte, How incorrect you are when you say that nothing with grow there for 100 years. Pine trees require extreme heat (i.e. fire) to release their seeds and grow. Fire also enriches the soil with many nutrients that the growing saplings and other plant life needs. One of the reasons the redwood forests are disappearing is because we have become so good at fighting fires. It will all grow back - even more forested than it was before - it just takes time. Why not use the energy you use in your hatespeak to help instead?

Posted by: Lynn Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Amen Valerie! If people would just use that negative energy to care about and help people, maybe this area would once again become a decent place to live. It is best to just ignore the negative comments of others. It is much like dealing with children...if they don't get attention from their negative outbursts, they will at best find something constructive to say, and at worst, just go away. My prayers are with the firefighters, the homeowners and the animals of the area.

Posted by: monte Location: south on Jul 18, 2007 at 02:26 PM
to Janet My writing may not be so good but I am a mechanical engineer with 6 years of college education. Now let’s talk about the intelligent people! I figure I am well qualified. I am also a hunter and an outdoors enthusiast who has taken an interest in forest and wilderness management. I have written a 30 page essay on cause and effect of fires. P.S. My teacher submitted my paper into a state competition where it did fairly well. Thank You

Posted by: July on Jul 18, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Everyone! Consider Volunteering to fight the fires as it seems many of you have far too much time on your hands. Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Department needs your help! Be part of the solution, call 473-4499 or email jlangfordgray@sbcglobal.net

Posted by: valerie Location: nw reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 01:10 PM
It is such a travesty to read all the bickering about who, where and what "should" burn. It is the ME ME ME mentality that is destroying this beautiful state we all live in. I can remember the days when the residents of Reno would experience disasters such as this and we would come together as a community in support of the lives that were affected. Shame on those of you who write such comments with such anger and disrespect for your fellow men and women! I not only pray for those who fight the fire, but for all of you as well that you find a way to help one another rather than fight one another.

Posted by: Mary Location: Nevada on Jul 18, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Ann of Reno! You are incorrect. Trees can and are replaced its call reforestation! Trees are a renewable resource.

Posted by: Dr.Buckley Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Cheat Grass,cheat grass,cheat grass!!!! Your blood pressure's rising too high over cheat grass! if you keep worryin over the cheat grass you'll be needin someone to be lookin into your chest by God!!!

Posted by: KC Location: west reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Gene FYI the fireman I spoke with last night told me the contractor has fessed up and was taking responsibility. As far as the Plateau fire being caused by construction this has also been confirmed by NDF and the Washoe county manager who I have been in contact with. I am also rolling up my sleeves and volunteering. A few neighbors and I who live in the area are forming a chapter of the the Nevada Fire Safe Council. We will be meeting the second week in August and are in the process of confirming with the NVFSC and local fire officials to get our schedules straight and find a location for the meeting. For any one in the area including Caughlin Ranch, Juniper Hills and Juniper Ridge keep your eyes in ears open about the meeting time and place. I am looking for suggestions for a location if anyone has any ideas. You may email me at westrenonfsc@hotmail.com and I will contact you with information. If you are interested in the Nevada Fire Safe Council you may go to the Website nvfsc.org. Recent reports from neighbors say that the fire has moved into Hunter Creek Canyon. How very sad for all of the residents of the Truckee Meadows!!!!

Posted by: dave Location: reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:42 AM
its funny how the response is alot quicker and more aggressive when there are more expensive homes in the area. and to the people who say its a mixed area, yes it is but what is the median home price and just look at the homes in immediate danger. i pray for the firefighters which are friend s of mine and family members, but i have issues with city officials. let it burn. sorry.

Posted by: Janet Location: South Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:22 AM
to monte-- clearly looking at all of your errors you are not well educated- keep your opinions to yourself and let intelligent people speak.

Posted by: Gene Location: Reno/Sparks on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:21 AM
It's funny how fast everyone comes up with reasons & answers for a fire that just started Monday. The fire dept hasn't even finished their investigation yet and all these people are pointing fingers, arguing & talking as if they know what's going on. No one does, not even the Fire Dept. I have access to the area where the fire started, I drove down Tuesday afternoon and looked at job sites including the one in question. All the sites had taken proper precautions including defensible space around their properties. A Reno Police Officer had told me that the site in question had done EVERYTHING they could to fight the fire and stop it. But because of the winds & dry conditions, it got away. The construction crew even had fire hoses on scene and ended up stopping the fire from buring the immediate homes. Stop using negitive energy to complain for your own personel gains! Instead, sign up to volunteer and offer prayer for the fire fighters risking their lives. Let the Fire Dept & Forest Service worry about who, what, when & where...It's their job, not the public's. My prayers are with all helping to end this terrible situation.

Posted by: jon Location: reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
We hear about it over and over...massive fuel build up due to poor land management leads to devistating fire. Well, how about cheat grass? It is an exotic species that infests the first several hundred acres that burned in the Hawken Fire. It was, and will again be, the fuel that carried the fire to heavier timber and nearly destroyed "million dollar mansions". Cheat grass is the major driving force for many of the fires in the Western U.S. Cheat grass is here to stay. It can be managed with weed killers, some livestock grazing, and expensive land rehab. Until this happens...take a look to the southwest and get used to it.

Posted by: KC Location: West Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 10:08 AM
I spoke with a firefighter last night who confirmed the fire was started by a contractor who was grinding bolts at a home construction site on Hawken Road. This is a confirmation of witnesses who saw it start who commented that the contractor tried to put the fire out but did not have long enough hoses. So sad for those of us who live in the neighborhood and use the trails for recreation, not to mention those of us who remain vigilant of our homes today with the high winds predicted. This is the second fire in three weeks that has been caused by sloppy construction workers. Do we need some regulations for construction workers during red flag days? Their lack of concern for our neighborhood has caused damage that will not be rectified in our lifetime. Our county and city officials seem to be more interested in a buck than protecting the public from dangerous wildfires when it comes to approving construction projects near our wildland areas. Thanks to the firefighters who are protecting our homes!!!!!

Posted by: Janis Location: North West Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 09:56 AM
First, thank you KOLO for the updates. But in response to one of the most recent posts, It does not matter how much or how little the forest has been maintained right now. This fire is tragic and I can see the growing columns of smoke from my house across the hill. It is devastating for all those concerned; wild life, home owners, fire fighters, and those Nevada residents that benefit daily from the beauty of the mountain. Maybe if certain citizens could learn to spell and write letters to those in positions that make a difference, something could be done about the future maintaining of forests. Also, in addition those that send their very valuable prayers maybe if we could roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work doing all we can, those prayers will be answered sooner, also assist in preventing future catastrophes. Faith without works is dead. How can we help? Thanks again KOLO for keeping us apprised. Janis

Posted by: Norman Location: Reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Monte, don't let your blood pressure go up over this. I live there and that area has been on fire before due to the cheat grass and sage brush that grow in that area. I've brought trash down from that area and seen that people have had camp fires in the area. Fire is natural event and in the long run future fires aren't as bad. This fire is burning so well due to the fact that ALUM Creek is dry and we had so little snow this last year. Let's give all the support we can to the men and women fighting this big fire and all the ones around Nevada. Let's do what we can to help stablize the area once the fire is out. THANKS VERY MUCH TO THE FIRE FIGHTERS!!!!!

Posted by: monte Location: south reno on Jul 18, 2007 at 08:31 AM
I hope all of you bunny hugging, tree loving, bleading harts know you are a huge cause of the large fires. You all need to understand that forest/land managment is necessary to clear out the sapplings, underbrush, and dead fall which is the fuel for the fire. So thanks to all of you tree huggers that put the logging companies out of buisness go ahead and pat yourselves on the back. i hope you break your arm doing it. Also relize that when a fire has sufficient fuel(underbrush and dead fall) it burns hot enough to steralize the soil previnting new groth for up to 100 years. On the other hand if a fire has the lack of fuel it will flash burn through tha land and you will see new growth within a year or so. I love the forest more than anyone but i say let the houses and forest near reno and tahoe burn for now untill you all pull your heads out of the dirt and see how you all are ruining the forest by not touching it. and don't get me started on the beetle killed forest.

Posted by: Janet Location: Cold Springs Valley, NV on Jul 17, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Cold Springs Volunteer Fire Department needs your help! Be part of the solution, call 473-4499 or email jlangfordgray@sbcglobal.net

Posted by: Lisa Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 11:16 PM
Hi. It's called the Hawken Fire because it was started at the construction site of a house on Hawken Road in Eagles Nest (the higher part of Caughlin Ranch to the north). Witnesses (neighbors across the street) saw the guys on the house trying to put the fire out. When I went up there from my house, the fire dept. was investigating. The fire a couple of weeks ago was from another construction company near the area. Yes, fire is inevitable but these last two are particularly unnecessary and costly. If you could eliminate internal combusion engines, flammable rags and cigarette smoking we'd be better off (irony, here). Is there any possibility of contractors taking extra precautions during dry times? Perhaps requiring more water trucks at each site? Thank you firefighters! ps, this is not a class war because all levels of homes were threatened and Caughlin Ranch is a a mixed-residential area. Thank you and Peace.

Posted by: Rebecca Location: Tahoe City, Ca on Jul 17, 2007 at 11:06 PM
Prayers for all of those fighting the fire, and their families.

Posted by: Jessica Location: Reno,NV Southwest on Jul 17, 2007 at 10:59 PM
We've seen the fire from our house every night, inhaled the smoke,and know a fire firghter in it. It brutal regardless of the homes threatened. It's still peoples homes, and wildlife lost. There are animals suffering as well. Give this effort all your support. It could be you someday.

Posted by: Bill Location: Caughlin Ranch on Jul 17, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Just let me say that I would have much rather lost my house in the fire over the beautiful hillside behind my house. My evening hikes will never be the same and I wish my house was destroyed rather than the forest. So disappointed!!

Posted by: Robyn Location: Old Southwest Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 09:59 PM
This is the third fire I've seen in this area within the last couple months. I have never seen a fire season like this one. Even though my thoughts go to the residents that live in these areas and to the beautiful thousands of acres that are being destroyed, I can't help but think of the firefighters that are spending countless hours away from their families in a dangerous job doing everything they can. Accolades to the men and women working a very busy fire season. I am for one, very grateful that there are people out there that would put their lives on the line for someone they don't even know.

Posted by: Franni Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 09:13 PM
My new heroes: the firefighters doing this courageous & such a difficult job! and to their families! My thoughts and all my spirit is with all of you! thank you!!!

Posted by: Beth Location: Sparks on Jul 17, 2007 at 08:17 PM
To all the men and women who are risking their lives to fight this fire, you are in my prayers. May God be with you all.

Posted by: JJ Location: Carson City on Jul 17, 2007 at 07:04 PM
My husband has been on that fire since yesterday. Please keep all the firefighters in your prayers. http://www.wffoundation.org/

Posted by: Dann Location: Stead on Jul 17, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Perhaps now would be a good time to rethink this country's forest management policy. Clearing out dead and diseased trees, thinning the underbrush and limiting development would remove the fuel that feeds these types of fires. Im not saying that it would stop them, it wont. It would however reduce the dammage done by them. I also want to thank the firefighters for all their hard work. It is because of them that more homes and lives are not lost.

Posted by: Megan Location: Carson City on Jul 17, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Instead of saying what the fire should burn, we should give thanks to the firefighters who are working hard to save the houses as well as the forest. It isn't like the firefighters said let the forest burn.

Posted by: larry Location: sparks on Jul 17, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Ok, I understand that it is sad to see the Sierras on fire, but everybody knew this was going to happen sooner or later. That's why they call it Fire Season. So please stop the whining and complaining. What about last year when Elko county went up in flames. You weren't too concerned about that region. Elko County is one of the most beautiful areas's in our state. It is home to hundreds of wild life and beautiful secenery. Where was your support then? ITS NEVADA ITS THE DESERT DEAL WITH IT!!!!

Posted by: Laura DiSimone Location: Northwest Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Tammie: According to the Intellicast.com which documents all lightening strikes in the U.S.A. There was nothing recorded for July 16, 2007 that showed any lightening strikes remotely located in the region of this fire. So, I am with you on lightening yesterday at 2:30pm when the fire started? It would be interesting to see the data on that news cast of information.

Posted by: Jona Location: Reno,Nv on Jul 17, 2007 at 04:55 PM
I heard that the Caughlin Ranch area has been known to burn once every 5-7 years. Why doesnt the USFS and/or the city of Reno build a pernament fireline to protect the houses right up against the public lands?

Posted by: Nicolle Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Good luck to all the crews working on the line right now.

Posted by: Tammie Location: West Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 04:38 PM
According to another reputable news channel site, the fire started by lightning. I don't remember lightning yesterday.

Posted by: Laura DiSimone Location: Northwest Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 04:25 PM
Steve: FYI...there were unconfirmed reports yesterday that it was a construction company that had a high likelihood of causing the fire. This morning the news cast was such of keeping the stance of the construction company being responsible. Therefore, opinions like yours deserve noting however make sure you listen to the airwaves and read what is being published about the cause then perhaps you can make a more logical conclusion.

Posted by: Steve Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Interesting- Mike Trudell said "the fire MIGHT have started NEAR a construction site" and all of a sudden many of you not only blame an anonymous construction company, and claim they should pay for reforestation. Just a thought- read the report all the way through before you lay jump to conclusions.

Posted by: jon Location: reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 03:54 PM
To Joe B from caughlin. Maybe you should use one of those paychecks to invest in a pair of reading glasses. I said nothing aboutletting mansions burn.

Posted by: Greg Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Regardless....Caughlin Ranch and the hiking trails above the community will not be the same for a long long long time (maybe some other communities may be affected as well). If you think that the fire departments sacrificed the forest for some million dollar mansions or homes, you must be looney! The infamous northern nevada afternoon / evening winds and the winds created by the fire tracted the fire to its current locations. I am a Caughlin Ranch resident and it is very sad to see a very beautifual part of our community go up in flames. Very very sad.

Posted by: Ann Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 03:36 PM
I didn't know about the construction company being responsible. If it's the one I think it is, near Hunter Creek, I feel the developer should pay expenses for re-forestation. Yes, houses can be rebuilt but trees can't be replaced.

Posted by: Joe B Location: caughlin on Jul 17, 2007 at 03:08 PM
To jon from Reno. You are an idiot! You state you would "let the Million dollar mansions burn..." Rich or poor these are people from our community that face the real life possibility of losing every memory they have ever lived. I for one live in Caughlin and live paycheck to paycheck to pay for my investment for my kids and me. In the same breath, you talk about the fire ruining value for you. Go get a second job and move out of your mother's basement. Create your own wealth and see if you are still so quick to let anything ruin yours without a fight.

Posted by: Birtta Location: Cauglin on Jul 17, 2007 at 02:32 PM
I agree with Mark, and Steve. My home was evacuated, I would have rather seen it go than my forest. I have to admit the dammage didn't look to bad at 10 but I don't know about now, since I am at work. As for the constriction company. I hope they are held accountable for their actions this is an outrage. More should be done to avoid it, and it is not like this is the first time this has happened.

Posted by: Steve Location: Sparks on Jul 17, 2007 at 01:51 PM
I agree with Mike, the houses should have been sacrificed in lieu of the forest. A house can be rebuilt, if the forest goes, all you have is another Peavine Mountain, or a mirrored looked of the eastern part of the valley.

Posted by: Laura DiSimone Location: Northwest Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 01:24 PM
It is really dishearting to know that the construction company did not take precautions as they should have knowing the risks in the area for fire. I sincerely hope that the State of Nevada holds the company accountable for the destruction that has occurred and will continue until they have this fire fully contained. If the construction company was bonded then of course there should not be an issue with restoration to the area destroyed. If they are not, they should still be held accountable for the restoration and the cost that has been afforded by the county for containment of this fire. Sad, very very sad!!

Posted by: Joebob Location: South Meadows on Jul 17, 2007 at 01:21 PM
At Around 12:30 it really took off. So far it is heading upwards, toward the south. Can see the flames when it is in the treeline.

Posted by: Mike Location: Reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I think they should have saved the forest and let the million dollar estates burn. The value of reno will now plumet even further with a charred background in the once majestic southwest Sierra Nevada Foothills. I am proponent to stop growth in fire prone areas.

Posted by: jon Location: reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM
If this fire started at a construction site, like reports say, will the construction company be held responsible for fighting the fire? Are construction companies required to have a fire extinguisher on site? They should have some fire fighting ability especially if they are building in areas adjacent to "wild lands". This is at least the second major fire in two years that started at a construction site.

Posted by: Jen Location: downtown reno on Jul 17, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Yeah, well, I was with a friend up near keystone, eating - and we drove around and saw the hillside full front on -what they show on the news had nothing on it(simply looked like a fire line and in reality it was lined all around, zig zagging,with sll kind of spot fires within - it looked like the hillside was on fire, and heading off around the east end - I sure wouldn't go home even if I was an evacuee - not if you could see it full front on -

Posted by: KT Location: RENO on Jul 16, 2007 at 06:26 PM
OMG!!!!!!

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