RENO, Nev. (AP) - The Latest on wildfires burning in northern Nevada (all times local):
3:35 p.m.
With a wildfire growing in a populated area of northern Nevada, authorities are asking people to voluntarily evacuate themselves and their animals to an events center in Reno.
Truckee Meadows fire officials said Wednesday the fire the Palomino Valley has charred more than 4.5 square miles (11.7 sqare kilometers) in less than 24 hours, and is spreading.
An advisory from Washoe County says some structures have been affected, but doesn’t say if homes are among them.
Officials didn’t immediately respond to messages about how many people are affected, or how many homes, ranches or other structures are threatened.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning until Thursday amid predictions of hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry lightning thunderstorms.
The number of local, state and federal firefighters was increased Wednesday from about 250 to 300, aided by additional fire engines and aircraft.
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10:50 a.m.
A fire official says about 250 firefighters beat back flames and prevented a fast-growing wildfire from damaging homes overnight near a rural northern Nevada town along the Truckee River.
Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charles Moore said Wednesday the apparently human-caused fire grew to more than 2,000 acres (809 hectares) and threatened 58 homes and structures after firefighters arrived late Tuesday afternoon in the Palomino Valley near Nixon.
Air tankers and additional firefighters are arriving, along with a threat of lightning and thunderstorms.
Moore says flames got close to about a dozen homes, but only one outbuilding burned.
No injuries are reported.
A landscape fire buffer helped protect a multi-billion dollar Apple Technology Center in the Reno Technology Park east of Sparks.
The fire is one of several in northern Nevada.
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