Wildfires rage across Nevada

An out-of-control wildfire in Nevada destroyed at least six luxury homes and came close to the governor’s mansion, officials said.

Four firefighters and a television reporter were injured as gusty winds pushed the fire to more than 2,000 acres and spread a plume of smoke over Carson City.

Ten other homes, businesses and outbuildings were also destroyed, and about 550 more were threatened by the blaze, which stretched for about four miles along the city’s western edge.

“It’s not very far from us here,” Governor Kenny Guinn said. “The trees are just exploding.”

Judy Staub, who lost her home of 22 years, called the destruction “just unreal.”

Officials said the blaze was started by a person before dawn on Wednesday near a river popular with local youths, and authorities were looking for a 1978 Dodge truck.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said he counted six houses “burned – and I mean burned down to their foundations” and another home that was damaged in the area.