Carson City Fire Department: Brush fire at Duck Hill knocked down, started by Raven helicopter hitting power line
UPDATE: 5:15PM: The brush fire off Duck Hill Road was last reported at five acres, according to KRNV News 4 in Reno, before fire crews knocked down the flames and prevented the blaze from reaching any structures. Firefighters are now in mop-up stage.
A Washoe County Sheriff's Raven helicopter reportedly struck a power line on its way into Carson City as an escort for U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's motorcade, News 4 reported. The Vice President was due to speak Saturday afternoon at a Republican rally held at the Carson City Airport.
The downed power lines then touched off a brush fire near structures and homes off Duck Hill Road.
While the Raven chopper was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 580, no injuries were reported, News 4 said.
NV Energy cut power to the lines, leaving about 200 customers in the Lakeview community without electricity, News 4 reported. The power company, though, remains on scene, working to restore electricity to its customers.
Both southbound and northbound lanes of I-580 were shut down while crews battled the fire. Southbound I-580 into Carson City has since reopened.
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UPDATE: 3:40PM: Northbound Interstate 580 is closed to traffic at about Arrowhead Drive and is being diverted into the southbound lanes of I-580 with law enforcement escort through Washoe Valley to the Bowers Mansion exit. Traffic control is also in place at Franktown Road and Eastlake Blvd. Lakeview Drive at I-580 is backed up as well.
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Carson City Firefighters are responding to a brush fire at Duck Hill north of Carson City, Carson City Emergency Dispatch has reported.
The fire was reported about 2:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
At this time, power lines are being reported down on Interstate 580 northbound as well as on Eastlake Blvd. The fire, about an acre in size and growing, is burning through heavy fuels uphill and threatening multiple structures.
Both Truckee Meadows and East Fork Fire Protection Districts have committed resources to assist CCFD in fighting the fire.
Aircraft resources were initially requested, but have been cancelled by Duck Hill Fire Command.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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