Teens admit starting blaze, face paying costs of suppression

RENO - Three former Carson City juveniles who have admitted they accidentally started a 1,300-acre wildland fire last year won't face charges, but will face a hefty price tag from the cost of the fire.

The three, who have moved from the area with their families, said they were exploring an abandoned mine on the hill overlooking the north end of Carson City when torched they were using for light sparked the blaze.

It burned over Bureau of Land Management acreage and private land between Washoe State Part and Carson City and cost more than $194,000 to extinguish and rehabilitate.

The BLM said no charges were anticipated against the youngsters at this time but, as is customary, the youths, their parents and any insurance companies will be expected to foot the bill of suppression and reseeding.