Woodcutter identified as TRE fire victim

A 52-year-old woodcutter was found dead early today after a mobile home fire in Topaz Ranch Estates.

The victim was identified as Raymond Booth who rented the mobile home at 1520 Topaz Ranch Drive.

East Fork Fire Capt. Terry Taylor said the body was found in a bedroom in the single-wide trailer.

Taylor said the fire was reported shortly after 4 a.m.

When the first units arrived on scene, 75 percent of the trailer was on fire, said Battalion Chief Scott Fraser.

"Crews were able to knock the fire down before it extended to any wildland brush or other homes," Fraser said.

Fraser said Booth was alone in the trailer. Two dogs escaped the fire and were being cared for by neighbors.

He said the cause of the fire is under investigation by the East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

An autopsy was to be performed Monday by the Washoe County Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

Units from Topaz Ranch Estates, Topaz Lake, Minden, Gardnerville Ranchos and Ruhenstroth responded to the fire. Fraser said 20 personnel controlled the fire in 30 minutes.