Fire Burns Near Carson City

My state capital (Carson City, Nevada) is currently having a major brush with a forest fire, the inferno approaching within a few blocks of the governor’s mansion. Being in Reno (about 30 miles north), the smoke has drifted our way for the last week. Even today, when driving on the freeway, it feels like I’m in Southern California on a bad smog day (or is that everyday?). Anyway, the smoke has really put a damper on my outdoor activities, and the ash has turned my black Jetta into some grayish, horrid looking vehicle.

The fire has burned fourteen homes and claimed one business. Fortunately, the fire officials say that the 7,600 acre blaze is 50% contained and has shifted away from nearby homes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and it is believed to be man-caused.