Disaster Relief Funds OK’d for Reno Fires

Nevada will reimburse Reno-area fire agencies for much of their costs associated with two big wildfires.

The state Board of Examiners on Tuesday approved $267,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund for costs involving the 2011 Caughlin Fire in Reno. Most of the money will go to the city of Reno, with the rest going to the Sierra Fire and Truckee Meadows Fire protection districts.

Sparked by arcing power lines, the November 2011 fire destroyed 26 homes and burned nearly 1,900 acres. A man died of a heart attack while evacuating.

The board also approved $116,000 to offset costs of the Washoe Drive Fire that erupted two months later.

That fire killed a 93-year-old woman, charred 3,100 acres and destroyed 28 homes after being accidentally started by improper disposal of ashes.