Fires isolate Douglas County community

Three fires burning more than 10,000 acres have isolated Antelope Valley in southern Douglas County, cutting off electricity, outside phone service and the major highway through the area.

According to the 9 a.m. report from the Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators, the three Gate Complex fires have burned 10,560 acres near the Nevada California border.

The Coleville fire is 150 acres, the Gate fire has burned 410 acres and the Slinkard fire has burned 10,000 acres.

The largest of the three fires, the Slinkard fire is burning from Highway 89 to the Topaz Lodge and has jumped Highway 395, closing it at Holbrook Junction.

Structure engines from Carson Valley and Douglas County Search and Rescue were headed south to prepare for the potential evacuation of Topaz Ranch Estates, located just north of Highway 208 to Smith Valley.

Power outages have shut down water for residents relying on wells.

Authorities say evacuations may be done in Double Springs and Holbrook. The cost to fight the lightning-caused fire has so far reached $450,000. So far only a barn and an outbuilding has been lost in the fire.

The Appeal has a news crew en route to the fire and will update this report at 3 p.m.

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