Slash wood being burned near Timberline Drive

Slash wood left last spring after post-Waterfall fire cleanup near the top of Timberline Drive is being removed now, according to the Nevada Division of Forestry.

Smoke may be seen west of town as workers conduct a controlled burn of the slash wood, treetops and branches left over as a result of logging activities.

This wood only is suited for use as firewood, said John Copeland, fire operations officer for the NDF. Residents had been able to collect the wood for months, but it's now dried up enough to be potential fuel for a fire caused by lightning or an errant cigarette. This is why it must be eliminated, Copeland said.

They expect to have the burning completed before rain moves into the area late Sunday, he said.