The Associated Press
SIERRAVILLE, Calif.- Firefighters were holding ground early Friday against a 2,000-acre forest fire burning northwest of Lake Tahoe.
The Hardy fire, burning in timber on the border of the Tahoe National Forest, jumped a line overnight on the western boundary, but crews were able to stop its advance, fire spokesman Tim Evans said Friday.
No homes or structures were immediately threatened, Evans said. The fire is burning about 35 miles west of Reno near California State Highway 49 between Sierraville and Loyalton.
Nearly 500 firefighters are on the scene, being assisted by six airtankers and four helicopoters. Two Sky-crane helicopters, each able to carry 3,000 gallons of water, joined the aerial assault Friday.
Evans said firefighters hoped to make significant progress before Sunday, when weather forecasters predict gusty afternoon winds and continued hot, dry conditions.
The fire remained 30 percent contained, with full containment expected Tuesday, Evans said.
Three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion Wednesday night but no new injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but apparently started right next to the highway near Harding Point. It burned grass and shrubs then spread Wednesday night into timber near the Antelope drainage.
There was no lightning in the area.