CARSON CITY, Nev. -About 80 Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen were on duty Friday night assisting the Reno Police Department with welfare checks and security in west Reno as the 2,000-acre Caughlin Fire smoldered.
The Guard members were helping police conduct neighborhood sweeps and assist with traffic control. The Guard members - mainly volunteers from the Nevada Air National Guard base and Army Aviation Facility in Reno and the Office of the Adjutant General in Carson City - are not armed: There are no reports of looting.
More than 450 firefighters continued to battle the blaze that began early Friday morning and had impacted more than 25 structures. About 10,000 people have been evacuated. The fire has not been completely contained, but Reno Fire Chief Mike Hernandez said the fire's forward progress has been stopped.
Two vehicles and their respective crews from the Nevada Air Guard's firefighting unit at the 152nd Airlift Wing in Reno were also dispatched to the fire.
Reno fire department officials said 4,900 homes could have been affected by the fire at the height of the blaze.
Guard members were also set to assist the police department today.
Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen will remain ready through the weekend should the fire rekindle.