Officials fear north spread on Davis Fire

With 31 percent containment on the east side of the Davis Fire, fire crews battled the 5,646-acre blaze in Washoe County on Wednesday amid a red flag warning and wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

“With predicted high winds, dry fuel conditions, and slope alignment, fire managers anticipate extreme fire behavior, including potential movement to the north and long-range spotting,” the U.S. Forest Service/Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest said in a Wednesday Facebook post. “Forecasted high winds present a major operational challenge, particularly in the northern areas.”

Updated Tuesday night, evacuation maps show the evacuation warning areas encompassing Galena High School to the east and reaching S. McCarran Boulevard to the north of the fire. More information: https://perimetermap.com/.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay clear of evacuation zones. If you choose to shelter in place during today’s PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning), you may be putting yourself and firefighters at greater risk, while also slowing the progress of firefighting efforts,” warned the Forest Service.

Washoe County advised an emergency shelter was relocated to Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road.

“Be sure that you pack your medications, oxygen or any other health needs,” the county said on Facebook.

More information about emergency preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/.

Besides high winds, smoke conditions limited aerial operations Wednesday, officials said.

“As of yesterday, rotor-wing aircraft delivered 208,000 gallons of water, with Super Scoopers contributing 196,000 gallons. Additionally, fixed-wing aircraft dropped 98,000 gallons of fire retardant. Dozer lines have been constructed near the Sky Tavern area, as well as to the north and south of Highway 431,” according to the Forest Service.

Since the fire started around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, agencies across the nation have assisted in the fight, according to the Forest Service.

Carson City officials set up an animal shelter at Fuji Park and then an overflow one at Silver Saddle Ranch. Organizations, businesses and families have donated in a cooperative effort, and two Go Fund Me Pages have been set up for those who lost homes: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-browns-recovering-from-davis-fire and https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-sims-family-recover-from-the-davis-creek-fire

Nevada Fire Info showed 620 personnel on the fire as of Wednesday, and emergency officials previously estimated 14 structures have been impacted since the fire began.

The red flag warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.