Lightning fires burning in Washoe Valley

Five fires have been reported since thunderstorms rolled across the eastern Sierra before noon.

Two of the fires are burning in the hills east of Washoe Valley about a mile north of Jumbo Grade.

One is about 40-by-50 feet burning in some trees. The other is 20-by-30 feet burning in grass and brush.

Firefighters responding to a report of smoke near Timberline and another report near Arrowhead Drive and Goni Road in Carson City found nothing.

Scott McGuire, of the National Weather Service in Reno, said the thunderstorms will hang around until about 4 p.m. when winds, 10-15 mph, from the southwest will push them off to the east.

"They're nothing severe," he said. "Just your typical lightning with some rain."

The Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center in Minden reports three other fires burning in the area.

A 3-acre fire near Fernley is expected to be contained at 1:45 p.m. Units there are mopping up and patrolling. Near Genoa, a ground crew is hiking in to mop up the fire. Near Markleeville, one-quarter acre is reported. Units on scene there will handle the fire.