Crew start mop-up work on Carson fire

Monday, July 19, 2004 | 9:31 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Crews started mop-up work and rehabilitation today of the 7,600-acre forest and range fire that burned 15 homes since last Wednesday in mountains above Carson City.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said the blaze apparently was touched off last week by an illegal campfire in Kings Canyon west of Carson City and then spread by gusty winds. No arrests have been made.

Pat Cross, fire information officer, estimated the cost of fighting the blaze at $4.8 million, no including the losses and damages to homes.

The blaze burned on federal, state and private lands, Cross said.

Cross said the crews "got a break that really helped" when the winds died down and temperatures cooled on Friday. The firefighters were able to plow more lines around the flames.

He said crews today are burning any remaining vegetation on the west side of the fire line to remove any unburned brush that could be rekindled.

Full containment is predicted for Tuesday. The number of firefighters that once totaled 1,900 was down to 1,022, and Cross said some of those released may be on their way to Alaska or California to help control blazes there.

Evacuation centers operated by the Red Cross have been closed, but the Red Cross is still distributing clothing and medicine. Portions of the Lake Tahoe State Park that were closed were reopened Sunday.

Mike Dondero of the U.S. Forest Service said a plan was being prepared to stop runoff and erosion down the mountains if there is a sudden rainfall. Cross said burned tress and sagebrush will be placed horizontally across the slopes to slow any rush of water. Straw barriers will also be used, he said.

Signs appeared throughout the city thanking the firefighters for their efforts. In many cases the flames burned up to the edge of homes but the structures were saved by the quick efforts of the crews.

In some churches Sunday, extra collections were taken to help the victims who lost their homes. Homeowners are now meeting with their insurance agents and there is no estimate of the loss of the private property.