A map showing the last uncontrolled segment of the Preacher fire on the north flank.
Firefighters are demobilizing off the 5,333-acre Preacher fire as it approaches full containment.
According to Saturday’s National Interagency Coordination Center incident management report, there’s a line around 96 percent of the fire burning in the Pine Nuts east of Gardnerville.
“Five crews and six engines will finish securing the line and mopping up hot spots … as well as completing fire suppression repair,” officials said Saturday.
Full containment is expected Saturday evening, according to the latest update. The fire, which started by a lightning strike 3 a.m. July 24 on land held by the Bureau of Land Management, cost $2.8 million to fight. Three-quarters of that cost will be covered by a Federal Emergency Management Administration grant.
Douglas County commissioners declared an emergency due to the fire on July 25.
Residents may see smoke or ash whirlwinds rising from the burn area.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through the weekend before high pressure builds and temperatures hit the century mark.