Evacuations continue as firefighters battle fast wildfire near Davis Creek in Washoe Valley, I-580 closed
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sat, 09/07/2024 - 2:39pm
UPDATE SUNDAY: The Davis Fire has picked up again, with wind an issue. Mandatory evacuation has been re-instated for ArrowCreek area. There is a Red Flag Warning in effect. Go here for updates via Truckee Meadows Fire.
UPDATE 11PM: The Davis fire that began Saturday afternoon is approximately 1,800 acres, with 12 structures damaged or destroyed, KOLO reports.
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UPDATE 10:25PM: Old Highway 395 to Eastlake is open to assist with south bound traffic. I-580 to Mt. Rose Highway remains closed, according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.
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UPDATE 10:07PM: Washoe County has declared a state of emergency in order to draw on regional resources, according to Washoe Regional Emergency Information Center on Saturday evening. It also says the fire has destroyed at least 12 structures.
One of the structures lost to the fire was a park residence. The family was evacuated safely but the home and possessions are lost, and some pets are unaccounted for, according to the center in a news release.
“Davis Creek Regional Park is home to a beloved campground and recreation area, and the loss is heartbreaking, but safety is our priority, and we are happy to report that all campers and park residents were evacuated safely,” Parks Superintendent Colleen Wallace-Barnum said. “Evacuations are in place and we ask everyone who does not need to be out on the roads to avoid the area and give fire crews room to work.”
A large portion of south Reno is under evacuation notice, and Virginia City Highlands is under an evacuation warning. I-580 is closed in both directions between Reno and Carson City, as is Old 395 and Eastlake Boulevard.
Those in the evacuation area should not wait to leave. There is an evacuation shelter set up at the Senior Center located at 1155 E 9th Street, in Reno, and Washoe County Regional Animal Services has mobile shelters on site for small animals. Large animals can be taken to the UNR Equestrian Center in Reno or Fuji Park in Carson City for those who cannot get to Reno. Several area hotels are offering special rates for evacuees.
Those who are in an evacuation warning zone should be prepared to leave. Those who do not need to be on the road should shelter in place and avoid the area. Follow www.perimetermap.com for updates on road closures and evacuations.
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UPDATE 9:27PM: The Nevada National Guard has been called to assist in the Davis Fire firefighting efforts. The initial request is for hand crews and a US-60 Black Hawk helicopter when aerial firefighting resumes Sunday morning, according to the Nevada Guard on social media.
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UPDATE 9:13PM: The Davis Fire is spreading rapidly and has grown to approximately 1,800 acres, according to NV Energy, which began de-energizing efforts at approximately 3 p.m., However, the evolving fire conditions have caused additional areas surrounding the fire to be de-energized for safety.
There are 18,698 customers in the Davis Fire area without power due to the emergency de-energization and an additional 179 gas customers have also been affected.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: A video on twitter shows multiple houses and buildings burning along Old 395 in Washoe City.
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UPDATE 7:10PM: The Davis fire has shut down I-580 from College Parkway in Carson City to Mt. Rose Highway. NDOT advises motorists go to NVroads.com, which will give them alternative routes. For access to and from Reno, motorists may want to take US-50 to USA Parkway, which goes around the impacted area.
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UPDATE 6:49PM: A shelter for large animals is available at Fuji Park, 601 Old Clear Creek Road in Carson City, according to the Eastern Sierra Fire and Ice social media site.
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UPDATE: 6:20PM: According to an employee at the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory, several homes on Old 395 have burned, however, the Chocolate Nugget is still standing at this time. Go here for evacuation info and the main evacuation map.
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UPDATE; 6:05PM: The fire has burned 1,500 acres, with six structures lost, and more than 30 agencies called with more coming, including a heavy air tanker attack, according to the latest from Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue via social media.
UPDATE 5PM: The Washoe Valley fire near Davis Creek has grown to 500 acres with zero containment at this time. Immediate evacuations continue, including the Galena area.
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UPDATE 4:25PM: The fire burning near Davis Creek area in Washoe Valley has jumped I-580 to the east and is wind-driven with no containment reported at this time. Stay clear of the area. Evacuations underway.
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UPDATE: 4:03PM: Evacuation orders are underway from Washoe City, Sundown Town north to Mt. Rose Highway. Temporary shelter is at South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. The Storey County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation warning for people in the Virginia Highlands. An animal shelter is available at UNR Equine Facility at 1290 Valley Road.
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UPDATE 3:25PM: I-580 is closed in both directions from Bellevue in Washoe Valley to Mount Rose Highway, according to Nevada Department of Transportation. People should stay clear of the area as it is dangerous and find alternate routes.
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Truckee Meadows Fire, Carson City Fire Department and other agencies were called Saturday afternoon for a fast moving brush fire burning in the area of Davis Creek in Washoe Valley.
Just before 2:30 p.m. firefighters were alerted of the brush fire, which was being fueled by gusty winds.
The fire can be see in cameras here.
It is unknown at this time how many homes or structures are threatened. Readers report that I-580 and US-395 in Washoe Valley are closed. We will update as information becomes available.
Check back for updates.
