Fire likely caused by boys playing with matches

MINDEN - Two young boys playing with matches and a lighter are believed to be the culprits in starting the Granite Way fire at Topaz Ranch Estates on Monday afternoon.

Fire investigator Terry Taylor said he determined the fire, which drew firefighters from all over Western Nevada and eastern California, was set.

A full-court press, including a heavy air tanker and helicopter, by firefighters kept the fire to 20 acres.

No structures were damaged and no one was injured during the fire.

The fire started at about 2:42 p.m. about 50 feet behind 3660 Granite Way.

Callers said flames were taller than the telephone poles when the fire began.

The fire headed up the mountain that separates Topaz Ranch Estates and Holbrook Junction, cresting the ridge before it was stopped.

Taylor said a neighbor on a tractor cut a fire line that stopped the fire from reaching up to eight houses.

Firefighters from Lyon, and Mono counties joined East Fork firefighters and the aircraft in suppressing the blaze.

Engines from as far away as Sparks were on their way to aid the effort when they were turned around.

By 5 p.m. the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch was reporting there were no active flames.