Lightning sets fires in Carson City

A powerful thunderstorm hammered Carson City at about 4 p.m. today.

Lightning strikes set a half-dozen fires along the foothills of the Carson Range.

One fire on C Hill rapidly expanded until a heavy rain storm slowed it down.

Fires were reported at structures along Muldoon and near Timberline. A section of Curry Street was closed, to improve access to the C Hill fires.

Residents trying to watch the fire were diverted from Curry onto Carson Street.

A power transformer exploded after it was struck by lightning. Sierra Pacific Power Co. crews responded to the downed line.

A command station has been established at the Shell Station on Carson Street.

According to broadcast reports, two fires behind Hillview were extinguished.

Firefighters scrambled to deal with fires all along the mountains overlooking Carson City.

Strikes caused brownouts around the city and knocked out traffic lights.

Highway 50 and Highway 395 through Carson City remain open.