Fire-closed highway reopens

Highway 395 south of Topaz Lake reopened about 12:15 p.m. today after being closed Monday for a 900-acre wildland fire.

Fire officials said no structures have been lost in the Vittori fire that began about 3:30 p.m. Monday. Firefighters have successfully protected the U.S. Marine Corps housing area. The fire is under investigation and was not caused by lightning, officials said Tuesday.

The fire is included as one of the Cole Complex fires burning in grass, sagebrush and mixed pinon and juniper between Coleville, Calif., and the intersection of Highways 395 and 89 at Monitor Junction.

According to Franklin Pemberton, information officer for Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators, the four fires total approximately 3,088 acres and include:

• Vittori fire is about 900 acres and crews have it 30 percent contained.

• Dana fire is 2,116 acres and is at 60 percent containment.

• Post fire is at 9 acres and has been100 percent contained with crews doing mop-up.

• Cole fire is at 63 acres and has been 100 percent contained with crews doing mop-up.

Approximately 468 personnel are fighting the fires at this time and all evacuation notices have been lifted.

Motorists are urged to use caution, as smoke may be present on the highway and firefighting crews are in the area. Slinkard Valley Road is closed for firefighter and public safety, he said

There is no estimate of control at this time for any of the fires.