ray may fire

UPDATE 955PM: From Douglas County: The Topaz Fire is in mop up status at the present time. The fire burned 8 acres within the Topaz Subdivision just south of the Topaz Lodge in Southern Douglas County.
Highway 395 was closed during initial fire attack operations. The highway is now open but motorist are urged to proceed with caution through the area. One out building was damaged in the fire and no structures were lost. Approximately 30 to 40 homes were threatened at one time. Volunteer evacuations are still in place.

UPDATE 10:44PM: Multiple fires caused by lightning continue to grow in Douglas County on Friday night though homes are not immediately threatened, fire officials report. As of 10:45 p.m. the Preacher Fire has burned at least 700 acres, the Ray May fire, 40 acres and Buffalo Canyon 1/2 an acre. Sierra Front has described the Preacher Fire as moving at a moderate rate of spread.

By Nevada Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
From Southern Nevada to Lake Tahoe and all parts above and in between, state, federal, local and volunteer firefighting resources have responded to numerous lightning- and human-caused wildfires across Nevada so far this year. The state has lost about 94,000 acres to wildfire this summer, which is significantly less than the five-year average of 428,084 acres a year.

Two 15-year-old boys admitted to setting the campfire that eventually sparked the 3,895-acre Ray May fire that threatened homes in the Pine Nut Mountains.Both boys appeared in Douglas County Distri...

his column addresses topics related to the health of ourcommunity.Living in a dry climate means that we have to be vigilant about fire safety. Last week's Ray May fire to our south was a reminder t...

The smoke plume that rose above Carson Valley most of the week was absent on Friday morning, indicating that the Ray May fire had finally laid down.After a long night with reasonably light winds an...

The Ray May Fire is now 85 percent contained, with an estimated containment set for Sunday, according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

The fire has burned 3,895 acres, and there are now 608 firefighters battling the blaze. Firefighters spent the day mopping up and securing containment lines around the fire. It has been confirmed that three additional outbuildings were lost during the Wednesday night increased fire activity near the Ruby Hill Mine area.

The Ray May Fire is 70 percent contained, with an estimated containment set for 8 p.m. tonight, according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

Firefighters made great progress in suppressing and securing containment lines around the parameter of the fire yesterday and into the night. Today firefighters will begin mopping up and will continue to work to secure containment lines.

There are now 537 firefighters working on the Ray May Fire, with 16 engines, 5 air tankers, 9 helicopters, 2 dozers and 2 water tenders.

A total of seven structures have been lost, including one unoccupied residence on BLM land and a seasonal guest house.

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living with Fire program is encouraging residents in the area of the Ray May Fire to take extra precautions to prepare their families and homes in c...

Ray May fire update as of 4:15 p.m. of 8/18/2011, from Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center:

Firefighters continued aggressive direct attack this afternoon. Concentrated efforts were within the Ruby Hill Area.

Fire Containment is 70% with an estimated containment for Friday, 8/19 at 6:00 p.m.

This afternoon it was confirmed that 5 additional outbuilding structures were lost last night in the Ruby Hill Area.

11:15 update: It has been confirmed that two structures have burned, a BLM-owned structure and a private outbuilding. East Fork Fire Officials are working to notify the owner of the private structure.

9:30 a.m. update from Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center, the Ray May Fire is 50 percent contained, estimated at 2,730 acres. They estimate full containment at 6 p.m. Friday.

More from Sierra Front:

9:15 p.m. Update: Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center reports that the Ray May Fire has claimed one habitable structure. No other details were released.

Voluntary evacuations are in place for the Pinenut Creek and Lena Lane. Pinenut Road remains open to local residents only.

The fire has grown to 2,730 acres. There are 5 air tankers, 6 helicopters, 15 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 dozers and 414 personnel working the fire.

"Fire continued to make runs to the north and east this afternoon driven mainly by wind. Firefighters will continue to construct direct line around the perimeter of the fire tonight, utilizing crews, engines, and dozers.

"The Fire is currently being managed by Local Type III organization. Additional resource will be arriving within the next 24 hours to assist in the management and containment of the fire."

You can catch live updates here.

By Sgt. Jim Halsey / Douglas County Sheriff's Office
The fire burning in south Gardnerville, near the Pine View Estates residential area, has grown to approximately 2,000 acres. The fire, which initially burned south, away from the Pine View Estates residential area, has turned and is now moving northeast.

The Ray May Fire south of Gardnerville is now estimated to have grown to 1,000 acres and moving northeast. NDOT is now reporting that Highway 395 is now open. There are reports that two structures have burned. Pine View Estates is under a voluntary evacuation order.

According to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center, there are 185 firefighters on the scene, 7 air tankers, 4 helicopters, 19 engines and 2 water tenders.

Viewed from Carson Valley, it appears the entire ridgetop is on fire.

Go here for live updates.

You can see more photos of the fire here and here.