Winds aid fight with fire

RENO — Winds shifted Thursday and gave a boost to firefighters battling a forest fire in steep terrain the Sierra foothills west of Reno.

“We’ve had a shift in the wind, and it’s working for us,” fire spokesman Dick Birger said. “Let’s just say we’re cautiously optimistic.

“The wind is more from the south now,” he said.

“It’s pushing the fire up the canyon away from the highway.”

The Highway Fire broke out Monday afternoon along Interstate 80 just west of the California-Nevada line and was burning in rugged terrain described as “vertical” in thick brush and timber. The fire was estimated at 500 acres and was 20 percent to 30 percent contained.

Steep conditions have made attacking the fire difficult, as firefighters have had to struggle to maintain their balance and contend with loose boulders and burning debris hurtling down the mountainside.

A federal firefighting team took over management of the fire early Thursday, officials said. The move made more resources available to fight the blaze.

From 250 to 300 firefighters were on the lines, with more due to arrive, Birger said.

Officials have said the fire was caused by humans, though exactly how has not been determined.

No homes were in danger, and no injuries had been reported.