RENO, Nev. (AP) - For the second time in a year, improper disposal of ashes from a fireplace or wood stove is being blamed for a dangerous wildfire that threatened dozens of homes south of Reno.
Authorities said Wednesday they don't know who's to blame but investigators were able to pinpoint the area of origin even as firefighters battled the blaze that burned 10 acres and forced evacuations of dozens of homes in Washoe Valley last Thursday.
Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charles Moore says when the investigation is complete, he'll present the findings to Washoe County prosecutors to consider criminal charges.
Improper disposal of ashes also was the cause of a fire on the edge of the valley in January that destroyed 29 homes and was blamed for the death of a 93-year-old woman.
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