ELKO, Nev. (AP) -- Lightning storms that swept through northeastern Nevada near Elko touched off more than 20 wildfires, most of which were quickly brought under control.
The largest was the 6,800-acre Sherman fire burning about 12 miles north of Elko. It was whipped by gusty afternoon winds. It was 35 percent contained.
A single-engine air tanker crashed while carrying a load of retardant from Elko to the Sherman fire, but the pilot escaped with minor injuries.
After walking away from the crash, he was treated at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko.
''The entire fire community is breathing a huge sigh of relief that the pilot is OK,'' said Elko Interagency Dispatch Center Manager Bill Roach.
The 410-acre VOR-McCarthy fire seven miles south of Elko and a complex of four fires covering some 280 acres along the nearby Hamilton Stage Road 10 miles south of Elko were threatening structures. An evacuation center was set up in case it's needed, although it was 60 percent contained.
More than 500 firefighters are on the lines.
Another blaze in northern Nevada, the Disaster fire, has burned 380 acres 30 miles west of McDermitt. It's 70 percent contained.
