Bison fire in Douglas County forces evacuations; grows to 1,400 acres

Firefighters received a break late Thursday when the Bison Fire moved away from homes in the Pine Nut Mountains east of Fish Springs.

About 220 firefighters were working late Thursday night to gain the upper hand on the fire.

The fire burning five miles east of Gardnerville in Douglas County had grown to 1,400 acres with 15 percent containment, according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch and Sgt. Pat Brooks of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Brooks said the fire was moving south-southeast toward the Ray May and Preacher fire areas. Earlier Thursday, crews were working to protect about 20 houses and livestock. Evacuations were ordered after the fire was reported at 3:27 p.m. after a lightning strike.

Firefighters are staging at Out-R-Way and Pinenut Road. Motorists are asked to watch for firefighting apparatus in that area.

Also on Thursday, firefighters were able to contain the Tarnahan fire burning in the Pine Nut Mountains, five miles southeast of Carson City. The fire was estimated at 25 acres.

The fire was started by lightning about 7 p.m. Wednesday.