Firefighters hope to surround the 616-acre Miller fire on the Mason Valley Wildlife Area with a fire line Monday. The fire, which started 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, is burning in cottonwood trees, buffalo berry and willows. It is being fought by the Nevada Division of Forestry and Mason Valley Fire Protection District. Smoke from the fire could be seen from Carson Valley on Thursday night, prompting at least one false alarm.
Five hand crews and 11 fire engines are being aided by a helicopter and five water tenders.
Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Spokeswoman Helen Frazier said firefighters are working to keep the fire inside the wildlife area, while minimizing the damage to deer and upland game habitats.
Firefighters hope to have the fire out before a cold front moves in Monday, kicking up winds that might fan flames. The fire was 80 percent contained as of Friday night.
