Firefighters Stop Progress Of Big Blaze Near Reno

Published January 20, 2012 5:00AM (EST)

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Fire officials say they have stopped the forward progress of a fast-moving brush fire south of Reno, Nev., that burned several structures and forced about 10,000 people to flee their homes.

Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez says crews were able to stop the wall of flames before it reached Galena High School. That's where Vice President Joe Biden spoke Thursday before the fire threat forced him to cut his appearance short.

The flames were visible from Reno's downtown casino district, about 10 miles away.

Hernandez says crews expect to work through the weekend to get the fire fully contained. It has burned about 3,700 acres, or nearly 6 square miles, since it started shortly after noon.

Hernandez says several homes were destroyed, but he didn't have an exact number.


By Salon Staff

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