Hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate their homes since the Waterfall fire broke out Wednesday and was fueled by tinder-dry vegetation and erratic winds. But fire analyst Sandy Munns says he's cautiously optimistic for more favorable conditions Friday, including cloud cover and later and less intense afternoon winds.
The 9,200 acre fire is 30 percent contained and firefighters are hoping the worst is behind them.
Firefighters on the ground are being assisted by 26 aircraft, 12 bulldozers and 66 engines. Another 50 engines have been ordered for additional structure protection.
Residents of the Timberline and Lakeview subdivisions remain under evacuation orders. Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for the Silver Oaks neighborhood and Franktown Road area in southern Washoe Valley.
