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Update: Gov. Lombardo declares state of emergency due to Davis Fire

Photos by Scott Neuffer

Photos by Scott Neuffer

Published: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Updated:Sunday, September 8, 2024

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8 p.m. update:  Fire reported to be at 6,500 acres with 0 percent containment. 


The Davis Fire is estimated to be approximately 6,500 acres and zero percent contained. The fire started in the area of Davis Creek Regional Park, located in Washoe Valley south of Reno, Nevada, around 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024. It is reported to be burning in heavy timber and brush, with medium to long range spotting. Gusty winds are forecasted throughout the week.

Fourteen structures are currently known to be impacted, but damage assessment will continue when it is safe to do so. Fire activity increased with afternoon winds, but fire crews were able to hold the eastern, northern, and southern boundaries. The southern end of the western front experienced the most rapid growth moving to the north and northeast along the Mt. Rose Highway. Fire crews continue full suppression efforts, prioritizing the protection of life, property, and critical infrastructures.

Interstate 580 between Reno and Carson City, Nevada, 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. Mt. Rose Highway remains closed. For updates on road closures, visit: https://nvroads.com.

Please use caution when traveling in the area as emergency vehicles and fire apparatus are entering and exiting roadways and power outages have impacted some traffic signals. Some roadways along Mt. Rose Highway and the north side of Washoe Valley remain closed. Please avoid the area for the safety of the fire crews.

Power outages in the south Reno area continue to leave some homes, business, and traffic signals without electricity. Customers who are currently without power should be prepared for prolonged outages throughout the incident and those customers living near the fire who still have power should be prepared for potential additional de-energizations due to the dynamic nature of the fire. To learn more about outage preparation visit: http://nvenergy.com/outages-and-emergencies/outage-preparation-tips.

A portion of south Reno remains under evacuation notice, affecting around 12,000 to 14,000 people. Evacuations are in place for Arrow Creek, Sky Tavern, Mt. Rose Ski Resort, and Logan Meadows. For more details on evacuation locations, visit: http://perimetermap.com.

There is an evacuation center 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 University of Reno 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.


6 p.m. update: Washoe County Schools are closed on Monday due to the Davis fire.


4 p.m. update: 

 This afternoon, Governor 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. 

The declaration directs all state agencies to work through the Nevada Operations Center to supplement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, and directs the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to work with the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support local governments. 

“As the Davis Fire continues to threaten neighborhoods and critical infrastructure in Washoe County, I have declared a State of Emergency,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “I implore all residents to follow the directions of local authorities assisting in the evacuations. Our firefighters and emergency management teams are fully engaged and working tirelessly to mitigate this threat and prevent further losses.”

 This state of emergency will stay in place for five days, unless terminated sooner with improved conditions. 


1 p.m. update from the unified command of the Davis Fire:

Start: Sept 7, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 3,300 Acres

Percent Containment: 0%

Helicopters: 5 

Heavy Equipment: 15 approx.

Engines: 45 approx.

Crews: 12

Total Personnel: 450 approx.

A wildfire broke out in Davis Creek Regional Park, located in Washoe Valley south of Reno, Nevada, around 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024. Fire is estimated to be approximately 3,300 acres, multiple structures have been impacted. A portion of south Reno remains under evacuation notice. Power outages in the area have left some homes, business and traffic signals without electricity.

At 12:30 p.m., fire activity has 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: www.perimetermap.com.

Interstate 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, visit: https://www.nvroads.com/. 

Please use caution when traveling in the area as emergency vehicles and fire apparatus are entering and exiting roadways and power outages have impacted some traffic signals. Some roadways along Mt. Rose highway and the north side of Washoe Valley remain closed. Please avoid the area for the safety of the fire crews.

NV Energy is working to restore power to as many customers as possible, but as of 12:30 p.m. there 6,700 customers without power. Customers who are currently without power should be prepared for prolonged outages throughout the incident and those customers living near the fire who still have power should be prepared for potential additional de-energizations due to the dynamic nature of the fire. To learn more about outage preparation visit: www.nvenergy.com/outages-and-emergencies/outage-preparation-tips.

There is an evacuation center 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 University of Reno 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.


•••

The evacuation zone has increased for the Davis Fire as the winds push the fire north. The smoke plume can be seen from Carson City and Douglas County. 

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Noon update: I-580 is reopen. But fight against the fire continues as the winds start to pick up. The fire is reported to be at 3,300 acres.


•••

Sunday morning updates: 

I-580 is closed from Damonte Ranch Parkway in Reno to College Parkway in Carson City. A red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The fire is reported to be about 1,800 acres, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

At least 12 structures have been destroyed. Evacuations remain in effect in St. James Village, Galena, and areas south of Mt Rose Highway. Check NVRoads.com for the latest road updates.

••••

Earlier updates:

I-580 is closed from Damonte Ranch Parkway in Reno to College Parkway in Carson City. The Davis fire is about 1,500 acres. NV Energy says more than 9,000 people are without power.

Earlier updates:






Multi-county emergency crews responded to a wildfire on the west side of Washoe Valley about 2:19 p.m. on Saturday. The fire is more than 500 acres and being wind driven as of 5 p.m.

Evacuations are ordered for St. James Village, Galena Forest, Montreux, Arrowcreek and Washoe City.
Large animal evacuation center is at UNR equestrian center.

Motorists should avoid the route. Check https://www.nvroads.com/ for more information about road closures in the area. Both directions are closed as about 3:10 p.m. NDOT is advising motorists to not drive from Carson City to Reno. 

American Red Cross opens evacuation shelter

The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is opening an evacuation shelter at the Washoe County Senior Center, 1155 E. 9th St., Reno, as more than 1,500 homes are currently without power from a wildfire near Davis Creek Regional Park.

 

Washoe County Emergency Management issued the evacuation order for areas around David Creek Regional Park. Several fire agencies are responding to the wildfire. The Red Cross reminds everyone that it is critical to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. For those who have already evacuated, don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so. People in need of assistance can visit redcross.org/shelteror call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). 

 

Anyone coming to a Red Cross shelter should try to bring personal items for each family member, including prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, and important documents. It’s also important to bring special items for children, such as diapers, formula, and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs.


Evacuation Preparation Alert Issued for Virginia City Highlands Due to Fire in Washoe Valley

Storey County Emergency Management has warned residents to prepare to evacuate in Virginia City Highlands due to a spreading fire in Washoe Valley south of Reno. The fire is expanding due to favorable fire conditions. 

Firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze, but the evolving situation requires residents in Virginia City Highlands to be prepared in the case of an evacuation. 

For assistance or further inquiries, please contact the Storey County Emergency Management Hotline at 775-230-2334.

The safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we address this critical situation.






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