Highway 395 reopened with pilot car

Highway 395 has reopened with a pilot car escorting motorists through the smoky Pine Nut Mountains this morning.

The Carter Springs Fire has grown to more than 2,000 acres and cost $500,000 to fight, according to an update issued this morning by Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Flames were visible through the night from Carson City and Carson Valley.

The fire, which started around 12:30 p.m. Friday, is burning in pinon-juniper woodland east of Highway 395 about two miles south of Ray May Way. The cause is still under investigation.

Sierra Front estimated containment at 5 percent by Saturday morning and expected full containment by Monday.

Highway 395 has reopened with a pilot vehicle, so motorists should expect delays and watch for fire vehicles.

"There is a decreasing threat to approximately 30 residences west of Highway 395 if the fire were to jump the highway," reported Fire Information Officer Mark Struble.

Struble reported the fire is affecting sage grouse habitat and Native American cultural resources.

Presently, there are nine air tankers, five helicopters, four water tenders, five hand crews, 20 engines, and 13 command staff battling the blaze, totaling 250 personnel.

Structure protection is being handled by the East Fork Fire Protection District.

The incident command post is at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Gardnerville.