Aircraft battling fire above Genoa

Firefighters are battling a 16-acre fire about ¾ of the way upslope from Genoa in Water Canyon.

Aircraft, including large tankers and helicopters spent the morning dumping material on the 16-acre fire burning in heavy timber on the mountain side.

Motorists should expect delays along Foothill Road for helicopter bucket operations. The Forest Service Road to Genoa Peak is closed for fire operations.

More than 100 firefighters are either at the scene of the blaze or arriving, including a smokejumper crew, two hot shot crews and two hand crews, but most of the work is being done by helicopters and air tankers.

Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators Information Officer Franklin Pemberton reported at noon that rolling burning debris and limited access are slowing down the ground crews. However, air suppression has been successful in slowing down the fire.

No structures are threatened and there have been no evacuations.

Pemberton warned people driving on Highway 395 through Carson Valley to be careful as motorists are slowing down to watch the smoke and the aircraft.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of a low pressure system that will bring strong thunderstorms to Western Nevada mainly north of Highway 50.

Gusty winds near thunderstorms may cause blowing dust near dry lake beds.

Thunderstorms will continue in the forecast through Sunday night.