Lull in fires a good thing, says fire task force

Whether a suspected arsonist stopped because of publicity, or has simply moved on, Undersheriff Steve Albertsen said he's glad there hasn't been a wildland fire since Tuesday.

"We hope they just stopped, but we're still being cautious," he said.

Friday morning an arson taskforce made up of local, state and federal investigators met to exchange information. The group was formed after evidence found at some of the 11 fires in the area seemed to connect them together.

Deputies have also picked up on patrols of canyons and wilderness areas in the hopes of deterring anyone from starting a fire.

A request by the city Friday to open fire-scarred hillsides closed after the devastating Waterfall fire of last summer, was opposed by the sheriff.

"I just don't think it's a good idea right now," he said. "Especially with what's going on lately."

Since June 19, about 1,300 acres of land in Carson City, Lyon County and Washoe County have been scorched under "suspicious circumstances."

It's unknown if a fire at a vacant Carson City mobile home Tuesday is related.

Albertsen said investigators have been able to determine what started some of the fires and there is a connection. He declined to reveal what evidence has been recovered.

Investigators also hope a woman who was stranded with a flat tire on Spooner Summit on June 20 may be able to shed some light on how a fire in Clear Creek began that evening.

The woman was driving a white, Pontiac Grand Am-type vehicle, and had a back brace on. A passerby helped her change her tire between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., said Detective Bob White.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Carson City Sheriff's Department non-emergency dispatch at 887-2008. Secret Witness, which is offering a $2,000 reward for the arrest and prosecution of a suspect, will also take anonymous tips at 322-4900 or through their Web site at www.secretwitness.com.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.