Fire map of the Little Valley Fire as of 8 a.m. Saturday
Little Valley Fire Update
Containment of the Little Valley Fire is up to 55 percent, however there are still numerous hotspots burning despite 48 hours of rain.
Firefighter and public safety remain to be the primary concern. Washoe County officials have a reentry plan and will allow displaced residents to return to the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Great Basin Incident Management Team personnel in coordination with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Washoe County and utility companies are working together diligently to restore services in the fire affected area in order for residents to return safely.
"Although the main fire threat has been reduced from the rain received over the fire, hotspots remain," Sierra Front said. "We encourage the public to view the following video taken this afternoon to see firsthand how hot the fire ground remains despite the rain. http://bit.ly/2dh6iuK
Firefighters continue to mop-up around homes, address hazard trees and smoldering stumps and secure the fire perimeter. A flash flood watch was issued over the burned area today with localized flooding observed. Fire crews cleared clogged culverts to minimize flooding on fire access roads."
The moisture received since the Little Valley Fire started has helped firefighting efforts.
The fire 55 percent contained with 500 firefighters — 60 engines and 10 handcrews — still at the scene.
The total acres remain at 3400. It is estimated that approximately 480 homes have been saved in the fire area.
"Firefighter and Public Safety remain our primary concern. A flash flood watch is in effect over the fire area, we ask that citizens avoid the area due to potential flooding. Residents who will be allowed to visit homes will be contacted directly by Washoe County Sheriff’s office," Marnie Bonesteel, Little Valley public information officer said.
Although the main fire threat has been reduced from the rain received over the fire, the public will continue to see smokes from the interior of the fire perimeter. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up around structures to ensure safe entry by returning residents and improve the fire line perimeter.
Franktown Road remains closed.
Evacuations: Multiple structures are still threatened until 100% containment has been achieved. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Franktown Road below the address of 6190 Franktown Road.
The Evacuation Center at Depoali Middle School (people and small animals) has been closed but remains equipped, and the UNR Equestrian Center (large animals) and Fuji Park in Carson City (large animals) remain open.
Road Closures: Old US 395A is open; however Franktown Road remains closed below 6190 Franktown Road. The open area has expanded to the address of 6190 Franktown Road and above.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Saturday update:
A flash flood watch has been issued for both the Little Valley and Emerald Fire burn scars with rains forecast to exceed an inch in three hours through early Sunday morning.
“Local officials should prepare for potential rock and mud flows over roads near these burn scars,” according to the National Weather Service.
Residents living near or downhill from the burn areas could see debris flow. Forecasters warn motorists to watch out for debris cross roadways.
Access to addresses higher than 6190 Franktown Road are now open; access to addresses lower than 6190 Franktown Rd remain closed.
The Little Valley Fire has grown to an estimated 3,460 acres with 5-percent containment. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.
The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team reports that 22 homes and 17 outbuildings have been destroyed.
There are still 500 structures under threat. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on Friday, having started in the Little Valley.
The fire is burning in the vicinity of Franktown Road which is closed) and Old Highway 395A, which is open in both directions, but has heavy traffic from fire vehicles.
Interstate 580 is open in both directions.
The fire is burning in timber, sage and grass. High winds on Saturday created erratic fire behavior, but fire behavior has moderated due to rain having been received within the fire perimeter. Next major wind event is forecast for late on Saturday and into Sunday.
Everyone who lives on the east side of Washoe Lake or the east side of I-580 can return home. Evacuations for residents of the Galena, Montreaux, Joy Lake Road., and St. James neighborhood can return home but need to be prepared to evacuate throughout the weekend if need be. The west side of Washoe Lake from Bowers exit to the bottom of Franktown Road remains evacuated. Power is off through Saturday in the Old Highway 395 area to prevent arcing power lines in case the wind picks up.
More than an inch of rain helped stop a 210-acre wildfire burning near Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe in its tracks.
As of Saturday morning, firefighters had a line around 80 percent of the Emerald fire, burning off Highway 89 near Cascade Lake. Highway 89 is closed from Fallen Leaf Road to Bayview Trailhead.
The American Red Cross has closed the shelter at DePoali Middle School in Reno but remains ready to staff evacuation centers as needed for the Little Valley Fire.
Red Cross services do not end with housing and feeding evacuees. Red Cross caseworkers will help families who lost their homes in the Little Valley Fire, offering comfort care, recovery advice, and financial assistance as needed. Persons affected by the fire can contact the Red Cross at 775-954-1194 for additional information. Please leave your name, address, and a contact number if caseworkers are busy.
Nearly 100 evacuees from Washoe Valley waited at the Red Cross evacuation shelter at DePoali Middle School in Reno on Friday. By late evening, all had returned home or found alternate places to stay. The shelter closed at 8 a.m. this morning. However, Red Cross volunteers remain on standby to open additional evacuation sites if the fire should again threaten populated areas.
Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
11:30:
The fire is still estimated at 3,460 acres with 5 percent containment. 855 firefighters continue to work the fire: 7 airtankers, 155 engines, 14 hand crews (20 firefighters each), and 25 overhead personnel.
Today's forecast calls for a mix of clouds and sun giving away to rain this afternoon. The winds from the southwest at 35 to 50 mph will make fighting the fire difficult.
NV Energy says the winds are affecting power to Northern Nevada customers, but NV Energy crews are working to restore power. Currently there are 821 customers without power, most of them in Washoe Valley. 21 are reported without power in the 89703. NV Energy says power should be restored by 1:45.
Red Cross is assisting people affected by the fire. You can contact them at 775-337-5800.
8:30 a.m.
The Little Valley Fire is 5- percent contained as of early Saturday morning. The fire has grown to 3,460 acres with four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.
The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team reports that 22 residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed. 500-structures are still under threat. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on Friday morning, having started in the Little Valley/ Washoe Valley area. The fire is burning in the vicinity of Franktown Road (closed) and Old U.S. Highway 395A (open in both directions, but please avoid due to fire traffic). Interstate 580 is open in both directions.
Resources working the incident: total personnel = 855. 7 airtankers, 155 engines, 14 hand crews (20 firefighters each), and 25 overhead personnel.
Fire officials said the Saturday morning winds have created "erratic fire behavior," but Friday's rainfall has helped. They are still worried about the wind later today and on Sunday.
Sierra Front says, everyone who lives on the east side of Washoe Lake or the east side of I-580 can return home. Evacuations for residents of the Galena, Montreaux, Joy Lake RD., and St. James neighborhood can return home but need to be prepared to evacuate throughout the weekend if need be. The west side of Washoe Lake from Bowers exit to the bottom of Franktown Rd. remains evacuated. Power is off through Saturday in the Old Highway 395 area to prevent arcing power lines in case the wind picks up. If you evacuated your pets, please have them stay at the evacuation centers through the weekend.
Washoe County Regional Animal Services is running an evacuation center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park for all residents with livestock that can be transported in trailers. All livestock evacuated by Washoe County can go to Hidden Valley Park Arena. Fuji Park and Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City are also available. All small animals go to Depoali Middle School in Reno.
Rolling Hills Fire
The Rolling Hills Fire sparked just at approximately 7:30 a.m. Friday near Mt. Rose Hwy., and Edmonton Dr., north of Galena High School.
Evacuations for that area have been lifted for the following roads an streets: Telluride Dr., Solitude Dr., Sundance Dr., Thomas Creek Rd, Deer Valley Ct., Wedge Pkwy., and Boulder Patch Dr.
The Rolling Hills Fire is 100-percent contained at 15 acres.
Friday updates:
Current acreage is estimated at 2,000 acres. No containment has yet been reported. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.
The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team now reports that 22-residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed. 500-structures are still under threat. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on 10/14/2016, having started in the Little Valley/ Washoe Valley area. The fire is burning in the vicinity of Franktown Road and Old U.S. Highway 395A. Interstate 580 is open in both directions.
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4:45 p.m.: Sand and sand bags are available at the following locations:
3101 Longley Lane , at connex box located north of admin building
Truckee Meadow Volunteer Fire Station in Lemon Valley
Sand Only is available at Gander and East Lake Blvd.
Additional sandbags can be made available through Washoe County Roads if needed. Call 328-2180 for on call supervisor.
4:16 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada to combat the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.
Today, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.
The Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region IX, determined that the Little Valley Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. The State’s request was immediately approved today, Oct. 14.
Fire Management Assistance Grants provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters.
Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization; and demobilization activities.
Large animals were evacuated to several spots including Fuji Park, Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center, University of Nevada Reno Equestrian Center, Hidden Valley Park and Rancho San Rafael Park. Volunteers were going into the area with trailers to help get out some livestock and other large animals.
“We’re anticipating a lot of people to show up (at Fuji Park) because we’re a shelter that’s allowing larger animals at the barn,” said Taylor Radtke, Carson City Health and Human Resources spokesperson. “We’re going to stay open as long as needed.”
About 15 volunteers from the health and human resources, CERT, the Salvation Army and Humane Society were out helping preparing meals and helping with first aid training.
“What I really want to get out there is the importance of volunteerism, especially for during these kind of events,” Radtke said. “Without the volunteers we have right now, we wouldn’t have been able to make it.”
“We’re not a mandated organization, it’s in our DNA to serve those in need at this time by providing spiritual and emotional care,” added Mark Cyr, Corps Officer of Salvation Army. “Our experience with last year’s Lake Fire helped us better prepare.”
The Nevada Humane Society was also taking small animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits.
2:45 p.m.
Washoe County announced those who reside on the east side of Washoe Lake or the east side of I-580 can return home.
Evacuations for residents of the Galena, Montreaux, Joy Lake RD., and St. James neighborhoods can return home but need to be prepared to evacuate throughout the weekend, just in case.
The west side of Washoe Lake from Bowers exit to the bottom of Franktown Rd. remains evacuated. According to Washoe County, several local hotels are offering discounted room rates for those displaced by Friday's fires.
Power is off through Saturday in the old 395 area to prevent arcing power lines in case the wind picks up.
If you evacuated your pets, please have them stay at the evacuation centers through the weekend.
Due to the fire, Waste Management will not be picking up garbage Friday. Anything left on the curb will be collected next Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.
2 p.m.
Washoe County estimated that 19 homes, seven outbuildings, and seven barns have been burned by the Little Valley Fire. The fire has now burned approximately 2,000 acres. More than 300 firefighters are fighting the blaze at this hour. Nearly 200 engines have been requested and are on their way to the burn area.
South Valleys Library is closed until further notice due to fire.
•••
18 homes have been lost so far in the Little Valley fire currently burning about 2,000 acres, fire officials said. The fire is 0 percent contained.
Gov. Brian Sandoval has declared a verbal State of Emergency.
"We wanted to make sure they have every resource available to do their job, which is the life and safety of residents," said Sandoval. "We have to make these decisions promptly and I trust the judgement of the men and women on the ground."
The fire started at 1:30 a.m. with Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Carson City Sheriff's Office evacuating the neighborhoods. Evacuations went smoothly, officials said.
Currently: 35 fire engines, 300 firefighters on scene. A request for 25 strike force teams. Crews estimate that 200 engines will be coming from around the region.
At a press conference to update the status, officials say heavy fuel is burning but isn't being affected by the light moisture hitting the area.
High winds are expected throughout the day and will continue to be a challenge for firefighters through out the weekend. NV Energy has cut power to Washoe Valley, power will remain out for firefighter safety.
I-580 has been reopened all other roads are closed in Washoe Valley.
Carson City is opening an evacuation center at Fuji Park for people and large animals. Ranch San Rafael Park is also open for large animal evacuations.
Winds gusting up to 76 mph have kept all firefighting aircraft on the ground.
You can see the south end of the fire from the Appeal's web camera: Here
“There is zero containment on the Little Valley Fire. All of Washoe Valley is still considered to be at risk. Spot fires are a continual threat due to high winds in the area,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Charles Moore.
There is unified command with TMFPD, Nevada Division Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service. Moore said 125 engines have been ordered and are on their way in. Air support is ready as soon as conditions allow. Until then, there is a very aggressive hand crew attacking the blaze.
The Little Valley Fire started in the Franktown Rd. area at 2 a.m. on Friday, Oct, 14, 2016. The fire has currently burned more than 750 acres. Multiple structures are threatened and recommended evacuations are in place for residents in the Washoe Valley and Montreauz areas.
The fire is burning west of Franktown Rd., moving north toward Bowers Mansion and Joy Lake Rd.
Washoe County Regional Animal Services has setup an evacuation center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Hidden Valley Park Arena and Fuji Park in Carson City are available for residents with livestock. A veterinarian is setup at the Equestrian Center on Wells Ave., to treat any injured livestock.
•••
Carson City is opening an evacuation center at Fuji Park for people and large animals. Ranch San Rafael Park is also open for large animal evacuations. The fire is now at 1,000 acres. Structures have been impacted.
I-580 and US 395 through Washoe Valley are closed. Eastlake Boulevard was reopened earlier this morning.
8:10 a.m.- Updated school closures: Pleasant Valley Elementary, Galena High School, Hunsberger Elementary. Fire is now 750+ acres. Air support is on standby until winds die down. Multiple structures have been effected. Rain is helping to slow the progression of the fire.
7:30 a.m. – The Little Valley fire started in the Franktown Road area at 2 a.m. on Friday, October 14 and is currently at 100+ acres. The cause is still under investigation. The fire is currently burning to the north and east. It is recommended that people in Washoe Valley, Galena and Montreaux prepare for possible evacuations. Pleasant Valley School is closed today.
6:45 a.m. - Due to wildfires in Washoe Valley, road closures are in effect. Highway 580 through Washoe Valley and Eastlake Boulevard are closed until further notice. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes. People in the area should be alert for possible evacuations.
An evacuation center has been established at Depoali Middle School, 9300 Wilbur May Parkway, Reno. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that residents with large animals transport them to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center at 1350 N Wells Ave, Reno.
Rolling Hills Fire Update
The Rolling Hills Fire sparked just at approximately 7:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2016 near Mt. Rose Hwy., and Edmonton Dr., north of Galena High School, according to a Washoe County press release.
Evacuations are in place for the Rolling Hills neighborhood, east of Thomas Creek Rd., east of Wedge north of Mt. Rose, and south of Arrowcreek.
The Rolling Hills Fire is 50 percent contained.
Residents needing more info regarding these fires can call 775-337-5800.
EMERALD FIRE
According to Brice Bennett, Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE Amador El Dorado Unit, a wildfire was reported at 1:33 a.m. Friday.
The blaze — now known as the Emerald Fire — at last report at about 5 a.m. had burnded 200 acres.
According to an 8:30 a.m. update from the Lake Valley Fire Protection District on Facebook: “Very strong winds are fanning the fire in different directions resulting in dangerous rates of spread.”
“Unified command has been established with the USFS, Lake Valley Fire, and CAL FIRE,” a press release said earlier Friday. “Fire is burning in the Cascade Lake/ Emerald Bay region of South Lake Tahoe. Very strong winds ahead of the incoming storm system are fanning the fire in different directions resulting in dangerous rates of spread. Currently beginning to rain over the fire.”
Evacuations are mandatory for Spring Creek, Cathedral, West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Properties, Cascade Lake. Those evacuated should go to South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center for shelter.
