Firefighters expect to have a line 60 percent around a 16-acre fire about ¾ of the way upslope from Genoa in Water Canyon by 6 a.m. Sunday.
In the meantime they plan to close Foothill Road south of Genoa for helicopter operations during the day.
Aircraft, including large tankers and helicopters spent the day dumping fire retardants and water on the fire, which is burning in heavy timber on the mountain side
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.
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.
