Charred vegetation was a result of people setting off illegal fireworks near Cave Rock. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District photo
Authorities are seeking the public’s help in tracking down whoever set off fireworks that ignited a 1-acre fire near Cave Rock on the Fourth of July.
The fire closed Highway 50 as it threatened to jump the road to the east side.
Tahoe-Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin asked anyone with information to call the Nevada Arson Hotline at 844-682-7766.
Tahoe Douglas firefighters and Douglas County deputies responded to the fire below the entrance to the boat ramp on the south side of Cave Rock around 10 p.m. Monday.
The fire started on the west side of Highway 50.
Several crews were able to immediately attack the fire, keeping it at less than an acre. All four lanes of the highway were closed for 30-40 minutes while they fought the fire.
According to Fire Marshall Eric Guevin, the conditions were perfect for the fire to quickly become unmanageable.
“The wind was driving it up the slope, with good fuels,” Guevin said, adding that it did spot on the other side of U.S. 50 but it could’ve been a lot worse.
Evidence of the fireworks were left at the scene but whoever set them off fled before deputies got down to the scene.
“It was a careless act, we want people to care more about this, fireworks are illegal in the basin,” Guevin said. “They are a great risk to the community, forest and resources. Fireworks are dangerous, leave them to the professionals.”
The fire district is still investigating the incident, but Guevin said criminal charges could follow upon completion of the investigation.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, one person was arrested for illegal fireworks over the long weekend.
