Business as usual at hospital

There has been no admittance of patients with respiratory difficulties at Carson-Tahoe Hospital due to the Waterfall Fire, according to Marketing Coordinator Diane Rush.

"We have not seen an influx of respiratory problems at the hospital," Rush said. "Patients seen have been our 'normal,' but not what it could have been.

"We are still advising people to stay indoors. Be on the safe side - do not be out in the smoke."

Rush said firefighters brought to Carson-Tahoe Hospital have all been treated and released. A firefighter said to have suffered a broken leg and another with a back and neck injury, were sent to Washoe Medical Center in Reno.

"The hospital continues to be on stand-by alert, our code yellow," Rush said. "It does not mean we are evacuating.

"Patient safety is our primary responsibility. Code yellow is an emergency preparedness situation. It puts staff and hospital plans in place for a situation.

"Patients are first and foremost on our minds. We have to have plans in place to do that and prepare for what could happen. This fire is not under control.

"It's our job and our commitment to our community members."

WEATHER CONDITION UPDATE -

Weather conditions Friday will show a slight improvement dropping temperatures into the mid-80s in Carson City and about 10 degrees cooler along the ridgetops.

"Conditions Thursday were primarily identical to Wednesday," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Jane Hollingsworth.

Winds typically increase in the afternoon from west to southwest at 15 miles per hour with gusts to 30 mph.

"After about 7 p.m. the winds diminish to 10 mph and by 9 are light winds."

Some clouds and high-level moisture have moved into the area but Hollingsworth said we will not see too much increase in humidity. And definitely no moisture.

"There is no chance of rain," she said. "Same for the extended forecast.

"We may see some cooling by early in the week to the mid-80s, but until them it will be pretty warm."

COLLEGE CLOSURE UPDATE -

Western Nevada Community College's Carson City campus will be closed today and Saturday, and will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, due to the Waterfall Fire.

The Douglas and Fallon campuses are open and operating during standard hours.

For information, call 445-3000.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.