Nevada wildfire burns out of control near Oregon border
RENO — A wildfire is threatening several ranches and critical sage grouse habitat in northwest Nevada near the Oregon border, fire officials said.
The fire, sparked by lightning Tuesday, has charred 14.5 square miles, or 9,325 acres, of remote rangeland managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management about 25 miles northeast of Fort Bidwell, Calif., and three miles south of the Oregon line.
More than 325 firefighters have been hampered by windy, hot weather in their battle against the blaze, which has burned grass, sagebrush and juniper woodlands.
Officials said Friday that the fire had moved within about a mile of some ranch structures and crews are ready to protect them in the event flames approach them.
They said the fire was 15 percent contained and they expect full containment Wednesday.