News Headlines

Smoke in Reno Sky Likely from California Fires

Posted: 8:44 PM Jul 15, 2012
Reporter: Staff

FORESTHILL, Calif. (AP) - High temperatures and strong winds have been hampering crews battling an out of control wildfire in northern California.

A fire official says crews are working in what he describes as "extremely treacherous terrain" in a rugged area of thick woods near the Placer County community of Colfax.

The so-called Robbers Fire is threatening about 170 homes. It's already destroyed one home and three outbuildings.

Since the blaze was first reported Wednesday, it has consumed about 3.5 square miles. It's 20 percent contained.

Eleven firefighters have been injured battling the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Meanwhile, a fire burning to the northwest is 60 percent contained after consuming about 42 square miles of the Mendocino National Forest.