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Two teenagers charged in connection with Nevada wildfire

From Darrell Calhoun, CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: Two 15-year-old males are charged with third-degree arson
  • NEW: Investigators says the juveniles started a fire they failed to extinguish
  • NEW: Two firefighters suffer non-life-threatening injuries

(CNN) -- Two teenagers have been charged with arson in connection with a wildfire that prompted evacuations and forced the closure of a Nevada highway, authorities said Wednesday.

Two 15-year-old males were arrested Wednesday, said a statement from fire information officer Rita Ayers. Investigators said the juveniles built a "fort" in the area and started a campfire that they failed to extinguish. Wind caused the fire to spread.

Two firefighters were injured fighting the Ray May fire, but their injuries are not life-threatening.

The juveniles have been charged with third-degree arson.

The blaze began Tuesday afternoon near Gardnerville. It has burned at least one structure, said Capt Terry Taylor of Douglas County's Nevada Fire Department.

Authorities closed U.S. Highway 395 between Gardnerville and Topaz Lake.

Residents voluntarily evacuated as the wildfire sent plumes of smoke into the air and forced the closure of a highway in Nevada.

About 40 homes scattered in the area were threatened, Taylor said.