Evacuations lifted as Conner Fire grows to 17,000 acres

The Conner Fire grew to 17,351 acres southeast of Gardnerville with 0% containment on June 21, according to the BLM.

All evacuation orders and warnings in Douglas County have been lifted, and it is now safe to reenter the area, the county said.

Calmer winds June 21 allowed aircraft to resume retardant drops on the northeast side, slowing the fire’s spread and helping crews secure the edge. Near U.S. Highway 395, where the fire began, crews were mopping up hot spots.

NV Energy was still reporting more than 100 customers without power Saturday night.

Nearly 500 personnel are still fighting the blaze.

The fire remains active, and officials warn that conditions could change and new evacuations may again be necessary.

Conner Fire spreads rapidly to 14,000 acres with 0% containment

Fire crews worked overnight battling a 14,000-acre fire just south of Gardnerville, 60 miles south of Reno.

The Conner Fire, which started as a house fire early June 20, spread north, fueled by wind, including gusts topping 45 mph. The fire jumped from about 100 acres just before noon on June 20 to thousands of acres in just a few hours.

More than 24 hours since it started, the fire is 0% contained.

Topaz Lake was closed to all public access June 21 to support aerial firefighting efforts, Douglas County said.

Canadair “Super Scooper” aircraft are using the lake as a water source to help suppress the Conner Fire. The closure prohibits boating, swimming and shoreline access until further notice.

According to NV Energy, about 200 residents are without power in Douglas County on June 21.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it did start at home in the residential neighborhood of Pine View Estates, BLM said. Two homes were lost before the fire spread north burning dry grass and brush.

The Conner Fire burns up in the Pine Nut Mountain east of Minden and Gardnerville on June 20, 2025.

The fire is being managed by a multi-agency response from local, state and federal teams in Nevada and California.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for:

Pine Nut Road from Dump Road to Out R Way
Lola Road
Edward Road
Jackson Road
Bodie Flat area
Conner Way area

Douglas County said the Community and Senior Center in Gardnerville can reopen as a shelter if needed.

The large animal evacuation shelter at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 920 Dump Road, remains open.

Silver Legacy, Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno are offering $59 emergency room rates with resort fees waived for evacuees. To book, call 1-800-223-7277.