Davis Fire officials: Containment lines are holding, outlook is positive
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 09/11/2024 - 5:10pm
Outlook on the Davis Fire is positive but is dependent entirely on the weather, according to fire officials during a Wednesday press conference that included officials from Washoe County, Truckee Meadows Fire, NV Energy and more.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, however, all active fires are currently within containment lines, which so far, have all been holding.
Despite the fact that, because of high winds, no firefighting aircraft have been able to fly all day, the fire still has not been able to grow as large as first predicted.
According to Stewart Turner, Fire Behavior Analyst, predictions of fire movement have not come true so far, though some gusts off Slide Mountain have been recorded as high as 70 mph.
Typically, wind gusts throughout the day have been around 30 mph to 40 mph within the fire area.
Officials stated that conditions are “challenging” due to gusts and ash, but the primary plan of keeping the fire within the perimeter has so far been successful.
The east side of the fire has virtually no concerns at this time, with most of the concern coming from the southwest portion of the fire.
Mop up is occurring on the eastern side of the fire, and all of the smoke seen throughout the day has come from mop up areas within containment lines.
Turner said once the night falls, they’ll see much different fire behavior, because the wind will calm down and the fire will “lay down” if all goes well.
However, peak gusts are still predicted after 5 p.m. tonight.
Kelly Echeverria, Washoe County emergency management administrator, said the shelter changed from the senior center to now being held at the Neil Road Community Center, located at 3925 Neil Road.
“Residents who have to leave are urged to utilize the shelter, which will remain open as long as it’s needed,” Echeverria said.
Echeverria said that residents need to be prepared to leave if they are in the evacuation warning zones.
“It’s a lot easier mentally and emotionally if you’re ready to go,” Echeverria said. “You need to have a bag packed, know where you’re going, with pets ready to go as well.”
For those who have trouble moving themselves, Echeverria said to dial 311 for Washoe 311, who will be able to help them navigate resources.
She said that there has been an outpouring of requests to help from the community, whether its through donations or volunteering.
To learn more, visit https://www.readywashoe.com
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to not only evacuate homes within evacuation zones, but continue to patrol the neighborhoods that have been evacuated.
Balaam said some residents have been concerned about leaving their homes “unprotected,” but Balaam said they have nothing to worry about, as roads into the evacuated areas have been shut down by law enforcement.
He said if homeowners are concerned about leaving their door open or something similar, they can call the non-emergency line.
NV Energy said at this time, around 2,400 NV Energy customers are still without power, but all of the homes are contained within the evacuation areas.
Jesse Murray of NV Energy said they will continue to keep the energy off to support first responders, as well as to keep from adding to secondary fires from downed power lines.
All damaged power lines that NV Energy can get to at this time — 19 in total — have been fixed or replaced, restoring the power to those effected within Washoe Valley.
We will continue to update on the fire as information becomes available.
