Hand crews, aircraft and dozers from eight agencies battled hot temperatures and harsh terrain Sunday to contain two wildfires enveloping almost 7,000 acres.
The Nevada Division of Forestry is estimating the Olinghouse fire, burning 20 mile east of Reno and 10 miles north of Virginia City, has consumed about 6,850 acres. Personnel from Sparks, Reno and Central Lyon County fire departments are assisting Storey County in battling the blaze, which was listed as 80 percent contained Sunday evening.
The fire is expected to be fully controlled by 6 p.m. today.
The Faye-Luther fire, burning below Jobs Peak in Faye-Luther Canyon, is estimated to have consumed about 30 acres. That estimate is down from earlier reports because of more accurate information about unburned vegetation within containment lines.
The fire was listed as 80 percent contained Sunday evening, and full containment is expected by 6 p.m. today, with full control estimated for 6 p.m. Tuesday. A Sierra Front Incident Management Team turned jurisdiction of the incident over to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest officials Sunday evening.
The Faye-Luther fire caused the closure of Foothill Road, also called State Route 206, for most of the day Saturday, but it was reopened Sunday. However, the Faye-Luther Trailhead remains closed, and is being used as a helispot.
Demobilization efforts are taking place at both fires to reduce the number of crews. Eighty-four personnel remained at the Olinghouse fire, and three hand crews were still on scene at the Faye-Luther fire. No structures were threatened by either blaze.
The Olinghouse fire is believed to have been caused by lighting strikes that started several small fires that combined into a massive blaze.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
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