The Associated Press
SIERRAVILLE, Calif.- Firefighters reported progress in their battle against a 2,200-acre wildfire in the Tahoe National Forest northwest of Lake Tahoe. The Harding fire was 80 percent contained by late Saturday, with full containment expected by Tuesday evening, said fire information officer Kathy Hardy.
“Things are looking very good,” Hardy said Saturday afternoon. “We’re happy with progress on the ground, and we’re working to strengthen lines to be ready for what tomorrow brings.”
The weather was not much of a factor Saturday, but high winds were expected to cause problems for firefighters Sunday, she said.
No homes or structures were threatened by the fire burning mostly timber about 35 miles west of Reno, Nev., near California Highway 49 between Sierraville and Loyalton.
The fire had cost $1.5 million to fight by Saturday afternoon, and some fire officials estimated the total cost could reach $5 million.
More than 1,100 firefighters were on the scene, being assisted by seven helicopters and two air tankers.
Their top priority was to improve existing fire lines and mop up hot spots inside the lines, Hardy said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but apparently started next to the highway near Harding Point. There was no lightning in the area.
Highways 49 and 89 are open and only minimal amounts of smoke remain in the area.
The fire started Wednesday about two miles northeast of Sierraville before spreading toward Antelope Valley.