Nearly 1,000 acres of sage brush has burned near Topaz. Photo/BLM

Updated 9:15pm:

Douglas County’s senior center in Minden has been set up as an evacuation site for residents of Topaz, Holbrook and Spring Valley who are affected by the Slinkard Fire burning south of Topaz Lake.

The 3,000-acre brush fire started Aug. 29 from a lightning strike. There is zero containment on Wednesday evening.

“The fire crossed Hwy 89 and moved east toward Topaz with the afternoon down canyon winds. Fire crews continue to put in dozer line along the eastern edge of Topaz and numerous engines are in place for structure protection. This evening’s winds were not as strong as predicted and this is assisting fire crews in their efforts,” authorities said.

Highway 395 is closed at the state line. Highway 89 is closed between highways 395 and 4. Highway 208 at Highway 395 is also closed.

High winds are affecting firefighting efforts.

Liberty Energy poles and wires are being destroyed. The companies says to “expect imminent power outage in the Coleville/Walker/Topaz area. Customers should plan for extended outage as access is restricted until fire is contained.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report