The Caughlin fire destroyed or damaged 25 homes as 60-mph gusts scattered embers and flooded houses with smoke. A 74-year-old man fleeing his home died of heart failure, officials said, and more than a dozen people were treated for heart and respiratory problems. The cause of the fire, which erupted just after midnight, is under investigation. Fierce, erratic winds — which had already downed power lines and knocked over trees — Moncler Outlet fanned the conflagration and grounded helicopters. More than 400 firefighters strained to stay in front of the towering flames, which could be seen from Reno's downtown casinos. By dawn, officials had closed dozens of schools. Thousands of people were without power, and a handful were without gas. But firefighters soon gained the upper hand on the blaze. As night fell, the winds died down; snow was expected to dust the region and snuff out hot spots.