Crews work west side of fire, residents allowed back into homes

The major concern for crews battling the Waterfall fire in Carson City today is a change in the weather, officials said Saturday morning.

"As long as the humidity stays up, the temperatures stay down and the winds stay calm we're OK. But you never know what's going to happen," said fire information officer Susan Marzec. "It's looking really good. We had a very good day yesterday. We got a good handle on the fire,"

Afternoon winds sweeping downslope caused unstoppable firestorms both Wednesday and Thursday, destroying 15 homes. They didn't blow as bad Friday.

"If they kick up today we could be off and running again," Marzec said.

Authorities say the Tahoe Rim Trail, Hobart Reservoir and Marlette lake are thus far unscathed.

Firefighters are feeling more confident about their handle on the fire west of Carson City, calling it 50 percent contained. Residents are being allowed back into all neighborhoods and the Carson City Fire Department has been released from the blaze, returning to their stations.

The fire, which has burned 7,600 acres since early Wednesday morning, is now being fought high on a ridge above the city. Ten hot shot crews are cutting a fire break east of Snow Valley Peak, the highest point between Carson City and Lake Tahoe. Helicopters delivering food and water to them were flying out of a temporary base off Jacks Valley Road.

Twelve crews are cutting lines on the north end of the fire above Franktown Road. Another three are working on the northwest corner of the fire above the Lakeview neighborhood, where forest thinning completed in the spring appears to have helped save homes.

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.