Mapping glitch downsizes Preacher Fire to 4,651 acres burned

8:45 p.m. update: Firefighters on the Preacher Fire have gained ground on the fire and have been able to get it 20 percent contained. It was actively burning all day with single tree torching, creeping, and wind-driven runs. The total burned remains at 4,651 acres.

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4:45 p.m. update: Acreage burned in the Preacher Fire is a lot less than previously reported due to a glitch in mapping. The fire, which started Monday with a lightning strike, has burned 4,651 acres.

The fire is in an old fire scar burning in heavy grass and brush with scattered pinyon/juniper. 300 firefighting personnel are on the scene.

Evacuation and structure protection for residents on the south, east, and north sides of the fire.

Estimated containment is Saturday morning.

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11:50 a.m. update: The Preacher Fire burning in eastern Douglas County has blown up once again and has now burned through 7,651 acres. It is zero percent contained and heavy smoke and low visibility is throughout the region.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Nevada Highway Patrol are working with Nevada Department of Transportation to update the reader boards along Highway 395 from China Springs to Minden warning drivers of low visibility due to smoke.

The fire is located in the Pine Nut Mountain Range about four miles southeast of the Lahontan Fish Hatchery in Douglas County east of Highway 395.

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The Preacher fire, located in Douglas County seven miles southeast of Gardnerville, has burned over 3,130 acres according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center (SFIDC). It is burning grass, sagebrush and scattered pinyon-juniper.

The fire is 0 percent contained. Firefighters have a goal of the Preacher Fire being contained by Friday night or Saturday morning.

Lightning caused the fire which began about 3:30 a.m. on Monday, July 24. Aviation and ground forces attacked the fire throughout the day and firefighters had a retardant line around the fire by Monday afternoon. High winds and a thunderstorm later in the day pushed the flames across lines, towards Buffalo Canyon and structures.

Access to the fire is dangerous and demanding for crews according t. o SFIDC. It is burning in rough terrain with numerous old mine shafts and washed out roads. Fuel moistures have hit critical levels and more erratic weather is forecast on Tuesday with more scattered thunderstorms with gusty, unpredictable winds and frequent lightning.

Douglas County initiated evacuations of areas at the east end of Pine Nut Road including Fred’s Street, Sandoval, Taildragger, Bluebird, and Bar-J Roads as well as the Spirit Ranch Area including Blue Sage Road, Badger Lane, Robinson Road, and Lena Lane. In addition, the Washoe Tribal Police are evacuating the Bodie Flats area in the vicinity of Courtland Avenue.

Large animals can be taken to the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Pinenut Road in Gardnerville, NV (782-9840). An evacuation center has been set up at the Douglas County Community Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, NV (783-6455). Small animals (cats/dogs) can be taken there and a trailer will be available to kennel pets.