On Nov. 18, thousands of homes, offices and properties were threatened by a fire originating near Caughlin Ranch in Reno. The unusually dry autumn weather coupled with very strong winds created conditions which could have resulted in catastrophic losses. Although several homes were lost, the coordinated, diligent response by local fire protection agencies kept the losses from being far greater than they otherwise could have been. Despite the wonderful efforts of many community members to protect and preserve one another's property, wrongdoers sought to prey on those affected by the fire. Just days after the fire, burglars targeted homes and …