Reno fire nearly contained; another breaks out near Tonopah

Monday, July 24, 2000 | 1:28 a.m.

The Cold Springs fire near Reno broke out around 3 p.m. Sunday and quickly spread through tinder-dry brush, grass and juniper. Though flames came close to some homes scattered in the area, no structures were damaged.

Erratic winds whipped the fire in various directions, but firefighters tamed its advance with the help of four air tankers and a helicopter when the winds died down around nightfall.

Officials said the fire was started by people, though its exact cause had not been determined.

Full containment was anticipated by late Monday.

In central Nevada, about 6,000 acres have burned north of Tonopah.

The Wall Canyon fire started on Saturday and is burning in steep, rugged terrain fueled by grass, aspen, mountain mahogany and pinion-juniper.

It has spread into the Arc Dome Wilderness area and is threatening the watershed and some historic mining buildings but no homes.

A cause has not been determined and fire officials have not estimated when the blaze might be contained.

Another fire charred about 500 acres northeast of Ely and firefighters hoped to have it completely surrounded by late Monday.