Snow, rainfall help contain Nevada fire

Wednesday, June 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Mother Nature lent a helping hand on Tuesday, bringing a steady rain across much of the region and about an inch of snow to the upper elevations.

Full containment of the fire was expected early today.

"It snowed on the fire line; it's been raining all day," fire spokesman Stacey Giomi said Tuesday. "Things are looking good."

"We're not seeing any flames any more," said Jenny Heisinger, another fire spokeswoman. "They're just cleaning up and putting a line around it."

Fire officials also decreased the estimated size of the blaze, from 4,000 to 3,400 acres.

Engine trucks that stood as sentries to protect homes since the fire erupted Sunday were released Tuesday, Heisinger said. About 200 firefighters remained for mop-up operations.

The fire broke out in the Autumn Hills subdivision near the historic community of Genoa, 40 miles south of Reno.

Two boys playing with matches and gasoline sparked the blaze that quickly spread through tinder-dry grass and brush. The fire destroyed four homes in the upscale neighborhood and about 30 outbuildings before it began its fiery march up the canyons on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada toward Heavenly Ski Area.

The fire threatened homes and vacation properties on the ridgeline overlooking Lake Tahoe, forcing the evacuation of 3,000 to 4,000 people before firefighters halted its ascent up the mountain Monday night.

Douglas County District Attorney Scott Doyle said his office was reviewing investigative reports to determine if the youths will face charges.

"We're still evaluating several possible charges in light of the facts turned up by the investigators," Doyle said Tuesday. "At this point we're not ruling out the possibility of criminal charges."

Sheriff Jerry Maple said the boys admitted to starting the blaze, but said it was an accident.

One of the teens involved is 14 and lives in Minden. The other, who is 13, was visiting from Hillsboro, Ore.

Their names have not been released because of their ages.

Under state law, parents and guardians can be held liable for up to $10,000 in damage to public or private property caused by willful misconduct of a minor in their care.

Authorities could also try to recoup the cost of putting out the fire.

Property damage alone was estimated at $2 million, and fire costs so far were approximated at $2.5 million.