Notice anything in the air today? Like a thick, stifling layer of smoke hanging over the valleys? This cloud of ash is coming from the Jackass Flats fire, located southeast of Topaz Lake. The fire's been burning a little over 24 hours now, and has consumed more than 3,000 acres of juniper and pinon pine.

We here in the Carson area don't have to worry, because for once one of these big fires is burning in a mostly unpopulated area, far away from us. Only about 15 homes are threatened, and it's putting on a spectacular show for residents of Coleville and Walker. But we here have to live with the smoke for a few more days at least, until crews are able to get the fire under control.