Two wildfires sparked by lightning are burning in Douglas County, Nevada, as firefighters work to contain the Double Spring and Ruby fires while monitoring hot, dry and windy conditions.
The Double Spring Fire, located south of Leviathan Mine Road off U.S. 395 and north of State Route 208, is estimated at about 100 acres. The Ruby Fire, burning off Pinenut 2 Road, is estimated at about 200 acres.
Approximately 100 personnel are working on the two fires as additional resources arrive.
Double Spring Fire Evacuation Warning Lifted
The Double Spring Fire initially prompted an evacuation warning for nearby residents as the blaze burned near the Spring Valley and Double Spring areas south of Gardnerville.
That warning has since been lifted as crews made progress against the fire.
Officials are also working to reopen U.S. 395 after the highway was temporarily affected by the fire response. The latest updates indicate that the roadway is reopening to traffic.
No structures have been reported lost and no injuries have been reported in connection with the two fires.
Ruby Fire Remains Active
The Ruby Fire is burning in a more remote part of Douglas County off Pinenut 2 Road.
The latest estimate puts the fire at approximately 200 acres.
Because of the remote terrain, firefighters are using Type 6 brush trucks and utility terrain vehicles to reach the fire.
A helicopter has also been assigned to the Ruby Fire as crews work to slow its spread and strengthen containment.
Recreation in the area around Veta Grande Mine Road near Sugar Loaf, east of Carter Springs, is not advised while the fire remains active.
Lightning Sparked Both Fires
Officials said both the Double Spring and Ruby fires were caused by lightning.
The fires began during a period of elevated fire danger across the region, with crews also monitoring the possibility of high winds, high temperatures and low humidity.
Those conditions could increase fire activity and make containment efforts more difficult.
East Fork Fire Protection District is working in unified command with the National Wildland Fire Service.
Fire resources from both Nevada and California are assisting with the response.
Crews Continue Working Across Douglas County
Firefighters are focusing on containing both fires while protecting nearby communities and infrastructure.
The Double Spring Fire is in a more developed area near U.S. 395, making the lifting of evacuation warnings and reopening of the highway an important development for residents and travelers.
The Ruby Fire remains in a remote area, where crews continue working to prevent further spread.
Officials are encouraging residents and visitors to monitor local emergency information as fire conditions and weather change.
Douglas County Fires: What We Know
Location: Douglas County, Nevada
Nearby communities: Gardnerville and surrounding Spring Valley/Double Spring areas
Fires: Double Spring Fire and Ruby Fire
Cause: Lightning
Double Spring Fire: Approximately 100 acres
Ruby Fire: Approximately 200 acres
Combined reported size: Approximately 300 acres
Double Spring evacuations: Lifted
U.S. 395: Reopening after the fire response
Structures lost: None reported
Injuries: None reported
Firefighters/personnel: Approximately 100
Ruby Fire access: Type 6 brush trucks and UTVs
Aircraft: One helicopter assigned to Ruby Fire
Status: Double Spring under improved conditions; Ruby Fire remains active
Firefighters continue working to contain the Ruby Fire while monitoring conditions around both incidents.
Residents and travelers in Douglas County should continue checking official local alerts for any new evacuation information, road restrictions or changes in fire behavior.