Fire near Carson City reaches 500 acres

AThe Badger fire reported at about 3:30 p.m. has grown to 500 acres as of 9:30 p.m.

Though no structures are threatened, the fire burning in juniper, pinon and cheatgrass has destroyed sage grouse habit and winter habitat for deer.

Officials are hoping a drop in temperaturs and winds will give firefighters a chance to improve containment overnight. Containment is now at 10 percent.

The fire follows an earlier wildfire that burned 1.5 acres south of Highway 50 in Clear Creek Canyon and a trailer fire on Lorraine Street in east Carson City.

Six air tankers fought the fire until sunset, while six hand crews, 16 engines, six water tenders, one dozer, one comand staff and 183 personnel continue their work in the steep rocky canyon.

Crews from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Lyon and Douglas counties, Carson City Fire, Douglas County Sheriff's Department, Nevada Division of Forestry, and U.S. Forest Service are battling the human-caused blaze. The investigation into the fire continues, according to the Minden Interagency Dispact Center.

Residents are asked to stay clear of Brunswick Canyon due to limited access.