Caughlin Fire

Caughlin Fire
Date(s)
  • November 18 (18-11) -
  • November 20, 2011 (2011-11-20)
  • (2 days)
LocationSouthwest Reno, Washoe County, Nevada
Statistics
Burned area1,935 acres (783 ha)
Impacts
Deaths1
Non-fatal injuries1
EvacuatedAbout 9,500
Structures destroyed28
Ignition
CauseTree branches that fell onto power lines

The Caughlin Fire was a short-lived wildfire that burned in Southwest Reno in November 2011. After igniting around midnight due to arcing power lines on November 18, 2011, the wind-driven fire burned 1,935 acres (783 ha), destroyed twenty-eight structures, and resulted in ten million dollars in damage. Dry and windy conditions allowed the fire to quickly spread, but firefighters were able to get a hold on the fire and contain it rather quickly on November 20 because of light precipitation and slackening winds.