Fire burns Alpine scenic corridor

More than 300 acres of land designated as California Wild and Scenic River Corridor burned near Woodfords, Calif., on Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported on Mud Lake Road off Highway 88, three miles northeast of Woodfords at 3:03 p.m.

A large plume of smoke from the fire burning in heavy brush could be seen from Carson City.

Helen Frazier with the Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators Dispatch Center in Minden said no structures were threatened, but additional engines were being sent to the area for structure protection if needed.

About 140 firefighters responded from the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service and fire and sheriffs' departments from Douglas and Alpine counties.

Crews were battling the blaze near the California-Nevada border using eight brush engines, four S2 tankers, three single-engine air tankers, three helicopters, one air attack, one lead plane and five hand crews.

Alpine County airport was closed to accommodate air operations and will remain closed until aircraft is no longer needed to fight the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown and an estimated time of containment was not determined by 7 p.m. Saturday.

n Associated Press contributed to this story.