Winds, Terrain Hinder Battle Against Wildfire Near Reno

VERDI, Nev. —  Strong winds and steep terrain hampered firefighters Saturday in their battle against a 6,800-acre wildfire near the California line in the Reno area that continued to put nearby residents on edge.

The fire, which destroyed three houses shortly after it started Thursday, threatened about 10 homes near the Gold Ranch Casino at one time Saturday afternoon, said Dave Reider, fire information officer.

“It made a run at them, but the firefighters beat it back,” he said. “They set backfires on the ground and made water drops from the air. The fire came within 100 yards of the nearest homes, so it could have been worse.”

The threatened homes were surrounded by fire engines ready to spring into action. No evacuation order was issued Saturday and no injuries were reported.

The fire also had moved within a quarter-mile of Interstate 80 by Saturday evening, but the interstate remained open. Firefighters stood watch across the highway for hot spots that could develop because of burning embers.

Reider said crews managed to carve a line around 40% of the fire by Saturday evening, up from 25% on Friday.

There was no estimate for full containment.