Fire sparks south of town

A 2- to 3-acre brush fire sparked at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon near the power dam south of town on Power Dam Road.

The fire is threatening to jump Highway 395 and the highway has been closed. Fire officials have also shut down Palomino Road in Ruhenstroth. They are beginning to evacuate Ruhenstroth.

Winds traveling at 10 to 15 mph were pushing the fire toward Highway 395 shortly after it ignited, and firefighters were going to try to start evacuating homes near the power dam.

Its spread is reported as rapid and one fire official was heard on the scanner saying he didn't like what he saw.

The immediate cause of the fire is not yet known but investigators from the District Attorney's office have been requested.

Check back for more updates.