Wind, drought feed wildfire in Northern California
Firefighters are battling a 185-acre blaze that recently ignited in Northern California.
The Ward Fire sparked at about 5:30 a.m. Monday on private land, but brisk winds helped to spread the flames into the Plumas National Forest, northwest of Reno, Nev. and Lake Tahoe.
More than 158 firefighters were on scene Tuesday fighting to put out the flames, according to Plumas National Forest Fire.
A record drought in the West is expected to give an early start to wildfire season. Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Washington had their warmest winters on record.
On Tuesday, Cal Fire warned wildfires could break out because of gusty, dry conditions — particularly in Southern California, which was experiencing the strong, hot winds known as the Santa Anas.
The California wildfire was burning in Ward Creek in Genesee Valley, about 10 miles southeast of Taylorsville, Calif.
A spot fire was also burning next to the main fire.
No one was injured and no homes were threatened by the fire, Lee Anne Schramel, Plumas National Forest Fire spokeswoman said Tuesday morning.
"We're expecting winds later this afternoon as the cold front exits," Schramel said. "It's something we're watching for."
Calmer winds and rain helped slow the fire early this morning, helping firefighters contain about 10 percent of the blaze, Schramel said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation Tuesday morning.
Check with RGJ for more updates as they become available.
Follow the RGJ's Marcella Corona on Twitter at @Marcella_Anahi and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Marcella.Anahi
IN PICTURES: WILDFIRES THAT HAVE STRUCK RENO-TAHOE
