People throwing cigarettes into juniper bushes are being blamed for a fire that severely damaged a residential complex in Gardnerville. The fire damaged units on Lampe Lane, with a multi-unit, two story town home complex fully-involved in flames when firefighters arrived.  East Fork Fire  elevated the fire to three alarms and asked for help from surrounding departments. According to Terry Taylor with the the East Fork Fire Protection District, the fire was caused by people disposing of cigarette butts in juniper bushes. He says several butts were found. No one is facing charges at this point, since there is no determination who threw them there.
Damage is estimated at half a million dollars, and two people were injured in the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting approximately 30 people who were displaced.