Power line trouble leads to fires

Nevada Division of Forestry fire investigator Rich Riolo said arcing power lines caused the 5,700-acre Reservoir fire in the north valleys June and last month's 2,700-acre Mira Loma fire that destroyed a house and a trailer in southeast Reno.

The other four fires all covered five acres or less.

"There have been quite a few," Riolo said. "I don't know what the reason is for it. It seems to be loose connectors and insulators."

High winds have played a role as well, both in spreading fires and causing electrical equipment to ignite them.

Sierra Pacific spokesman Bob Sagan said the utility's own investigations confirm fire officials' conclusion that arcing lines caused the Reservoir and Mira Loma fires.

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