Half-dozen fires burning south of Gardnerville

Firefighters are battling a half-dozen different blazes south of Gardnerville. The largest of the three is behind Coleville and is reportedly threatening structures in the Mono County town.

The Coleville fire has expanded to 30-40 acres and has forced traffic controls on Highway 395. Mono County firefighters, two air tankers, a pair of hand crews, two helicopters and three engines are protecting structures in the town.

Reinforcements in the form of 10 structure engines are on their way, according to Franklin Pemberton, Sierra Front Fire information officer.

A fire near the Bently Tree Farm, located on Highway 395 in the Pine Nuts near the rest stop is being fought by career and volunteer firefighters from the East Fork Fire District. A third fire, the Penrod fire is located off Leviathan Mine Road. A fourth fire has been reported near Double Spring Road and is at a half acre. No homes have been reported threatened by any of those fires.

A fire on Kings bury Grade is being fought by Tahoe-Douglas firefighters.

Thunderstorms are continuing in Douglas County, according to a special forecast issued by the National Weather Service.

They will continue to develop into the evening with gusty winds, blowing dust and areas of heavy rain.

According to the Weather Service radar from 4:39 p.m., there is a line of strong thunderstorms are developing along the Nevada state line from Mammoth Lakes to Lake Tahoe and are moving north through the Valleys.