The Associated Press
RENO, Nev. — A fast-moving brush fire sparked by power lines destroyed one home Monday, damaged two and threatened a half-dozen others before it was extinguished, officials said.
As many as 22 fire engines helped contain the blaze, which consumed 10 to 15 acres. No injuries were reported.
An elderly woman was inside the home that was destroyed when the fire broke out, but neighbors and firefighters helped her to safety, KRNV-TV reported.
Some people fled their homes, though it was unclear whether an evacuation was ordered, fire department spokesman Steve Frady said.
Arcing power lines sparked the fire just before 2 p.m., fire officials said. It was out by about 4:15 p.m.
Winds gusting to 50 mph pushed the flames through a canyon into a heavily populated area within about four miles of downtown.
“These kinds of winds are typical in summertime,” Frady said. “We are probably looking at extreme fire behavior down the line.”
A wildfire also destroyed a home in Reno on March 17.