• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Evacuations continue as firefighters battle fast wildfire near Davis Creek in Washoe Valley, I-580 closed

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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

A man who was arrested in January 2023 at the Topsy Lane Walmart in north Douglas County had all charges dropped against him in an alleged armed robbery case.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Nevada is holding NAMIWalks 2024 on Oct. 19, 2024, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, with walks also being held in Reno, Fernley, Elko and Las Vegas. It promises to be an event to remember, filled with meaningful moments as people come together to take a stand on the road to make community matter and see their commitment to “Mental Health for All.”

The next Carson City School Board meeting will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Community Center at 851 E. William St.

A 26-year-old man was arrested Sunday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

UPDATE 6:45PM: The Davis Fire is estimated at 6,500 acres with no containment as of Sunday evening. Details from Truckee Meadows Fire forthcoming.
***
UPDATE 5:46PM: All Washoe County School District schools, except for Gerlach K-12 School, are closed on Monday, Sept. 9. This includes before and after-school activities and athletic practices.
Also of note, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office reminds people to stay clear of all evacuated areas for the Davis Fire. Air support crews are dropping fire retardants close to residences in evacuated areas.
***
UPDATE 3:18PM: Kelsey Penrose was live from near the Davis Fire. See the video report here.
Also, Carson City is advising the Fuji animal shelter is full and the city has opened Silver Saddle Ranch to house more animals. For non-emergency inquiries call 775-887-2677. Also public works wants to remind people that the evacuation for Sunridge Drive is in Reno, not Carson City.
***
UPDATE 1:16PM: Truckee Meadows Fire reports that at around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, fire activity increased and evacuation has been reinstated north of Nevada State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) to include Arrow Creek, Sky Tavern, Mt. Rose Ski Resort, and Logan Meadows. For more detail evacuation locations visit perimetermap.com.

I-580 between Reno and Carson City as well as Old U.S. Highway 395 to Eastlake Boulevard have reopened. Old U.S. Highway 395 is still closed from East Lake Boulevard to Bowers Mansion Interchange. South and north bound exits to Mt Rose Highway are closed, so is the highway from Wedge Parkway to the summit. For updates on road closures go here.

The Carson High School Library just got a lot quieter and is helping students find peace with the addition of two new state-of-the-art soundproof study pods. The enhancement is designed to provide students with a focused, distraction-free environment to support their academic pursuits.

CARSON CITY — This Sunday afternoon, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency due to the Davis Fire, which has burned approximately 5,000 acres in northern Nevada and caused the evacuation of approximately 20,000 people from residential neighborhoods and businesses. The state declaration follows Washoe County’s local emergency proclamation.

Carson High School Future Business Leaders of America will hold a fundraiser Sept. 17 at Big Chicken in Carson City.

Make a bowl and have some fun. Volunteers are needed for Empty Bowls activities. The Empty Bowls fundraiser events are underway for 2024. We are looking for volunteers to make and paint bowls and/or volunteer at various events throughout the year.

Description and photos of Mark Vollmer and Jim Eaglesmith

Mark Vollmer and Jim Eaglesmith will share live music, storytelling, photography and the songwriting process for their elegant "StorySongs" DVD, which will be available for purchase at this program, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center.

Come join CASI at our annual Pooch Plunge pool party happening Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Carson City Aquatic Facility outdoor pool.

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.
***
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.
***
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.

The Office of the Governor, the Nevada Division of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Division of Forestry and the Nevada State Police are coordinating with local partners as they respond to the Davis Fire in northern Nevada.

UPDATE: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong provided the photos above on the extent of damage caused by the ongoing Davis Fire which, as of 10:30 p.m., Saturday was already 1,800 acres and continues to grow. At least a dozen structures have been destroyed. That number may grow.

While Geiger Grade is currently open to traffic as of 7:40 p.m., Twitter users have reported that several large herds of wild horses have been spotted running in and around the Geiger Grade roadway as they escape from the Davis Fire.

While there were some rumors of the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory burning down, as of 7 p.m., it is still standing, but the fire came extremely close.

Not only was the building saved, but the quick actions of the crews on scene also saved the famous Chocolate Nugget Miner statute from being burned as well.

UPDATE SUNDAY: The Davis Fire remains active Sunday and fire crews are battling hotspots, according to Truckee Meadows Fire on Sunday morning. As of 9 a.m. Sunday, there's no containment.

"While there appears to be no fire activity, there are numerous hotspots. We anticipate flareups from a wind event expected later this morning that will last throughout the day. This is why evacuations remain in place in areas south of Mt. Rose Highway," according to Truckee Meadows Fire.

Fire crews are working aggressively to suppress this fire and we will lift evacuations as soon as it is safe. There is currently no containment and power remains off in areas south of Mt. Rose Highway.

Firefighters are working hot spots this morning, attempting to get better containment. Residents are being allowed to return home north of Mt. Rose Highway. Some areas may not have power restored.

The highway remains closed. Use alternate routes. Evacuations remain in effect in St. James Village, Galena and areas south of Mt. Rose Highway. Avoid unnecessary travel in the area.

See NVRoads.com before driving and for future updates regarding I-580 closures through Washoe Valley.
***
There are a number of road closures and evacuations currently underway due to the Davis Creek fire Saturday north of Carson City and south of Reno. Those evacuated should be prepared to stay elsewhere for 24-48 hours.

UPDATE 9:12PM: 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.

Nevada voters will have the opportunity this November to vote on whether to exempt diapers from the state’s sales tax. If passed, how would it work?

Carson Tahoe Health is thrilled to announce its annual raffle giveaway, presented in partnership with Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota. This exciting event will culminate next week, celebrating Carson Tahoe Health’s 75th Anniversary.

The Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees is pleased to sponsor the 23nd Annual American Citizen Essay Contest. Completed essays are due to the Carson City School District at 1402 West King Street no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

Chautauquan Kim Harris closes out the 2024 Summer Festival Season with a portrayal of matriarch Maggie Ferris Dangberg at Dangberg Historic Park.

Join us for "September Jazz at Gina's," an evening of big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street the Carson Nugget. Admission is free; suggested donation is $10 per person for the band.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, the first annual Kaboom-Con comic convention will be making its debut at the Carson City Community Center beginning at 10 a.m.

This all-day event is the first of its kind, bringing together cosplay (costume play), rare comic books, industry professionals, live music and so much more.

The spirit of flight returns as the Carson City Airport will host this year’s Aviation Festival and Open House today, Saturday, Sept. 7. Each year this event is hosted to help raise awareness about the vital role aviation and aerospace play in the community.

The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners convened on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to hear presentations and approve several significant agenda items.

The Northern Nevada Fall Fest 2024 will be returning to Arlington Square from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Nevada Day Parade.

Shop from over 60 Vendors including Food Trucks, Alcohol, Ice Cream, Shaved Ice, Snacks, Local Crafters and Vendors!

A local Carson City family is asking for the community’s help to achieve the final wish of a young man with terminal cancer: attending a Comic Con.

Tragedy of the St. Francis Dam, The Worst Manmade Disaster in California History.

On March 12, 1928, the City of Los Angeles’s St Francis Dam collapsed killing over 600 people and destroying everything in its 50-mile rampage to the sea.

It's been a while since it was first quietly announced that the popular fast food chain would be coming back to the capital city, but now, construction work on the new Carl's Junior is officially underway.