UPDATED as of 7:30pm on Sunday 8th September

According to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 people were still evacuated in south Reno as of Sunday evening as the Davis Fire continued to burn through heavy timber and brush.

Officials reported Sunday evening that they have made medium to long-range observations and that strong wind gusts are expected throughout the week.

Officials say 14 buildings have been “affected” by the fire, but that number could rise as the damage is assessed.

On Sunday, crews held the eastern, northern and southern boundaries, but on the southern side of the western front the fire was spreading rapidly.

It moved north and northeast along Mt. Rose Highway, which remains closed. All other major roads, including I-580 and Old US Highway 395, are open.

Employees of NV Energy expect that the electricity supply for the approximately 6,300 customers who are still in the dark on Sunday evening will not be available overnight.

UPDATED as of 6:30pm on Sunday 8th September

According to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, the Davis Fire has burned an estimated 6,500 acres and was 0% contained as of Sunday evening.

The fire department is expected to release more details soon.

All schools in Washoe County, except Gerlach K-12, are closed Monday due to the fire.

—————-

UPDATED as of 3:40pm on Sunday 8th September

Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for the Davis Fire to coordinate efforts to battle the massive blaze.

Lombardo’s order states that Washoe County is facing a shortage of resources to respond to the fire and that there are significant obligations arising from the short-term response and long-term recovery for those affected by the fire.

Under the order, all state agencies will work through the Nevada Operations Center to complement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of individuals in the state. Additionally, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will 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 instructions of local authorities who are assisting with evacuations. Our firefighters and emergency management teams are fully engaged and working tirelessly to contain this threat and prevent further losses.”

The state of emergency will last for five days unless it is ended earlier.

UPDATED as of 1:30pm on Sunday 8th September

High winds quickly rekindled the Davis Fire, sending a huge plume of smoke across Truckee Meadows.

Evacuations are again in effect for residents north of the Mt. Rose Highway, including Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Sky Tavern, Logan Meadows, Montreux, Saint James Village and Saddlehorn.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue has released an updated perimeter map of the 3,300-acre fire.

UPDATED as of 12:00pm on Sunday 8th September

US-395A is open in Pleasant Valley, but remains closed in Washoe Valley.

Mt. Rose Highway remains closed in both directions.

Washoe County reports evacuations have resumed for ArrowCreek as winds fan the fire.

UPDATED as of 10:45am on Sunday 8th September

As of Sunday morning, the Davis Fire had burned approximately 3,300 acres and destroyed at least 12 structures, according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.

Authorities said the Davis Fire may not appear to be active Sunday morning, but there are still many burning areas and flames could flare up throughout the day due to a Red Flag Warning.

———–

UPDATED as of 10am on Sunday 8th September

After being closed overnight, I-580 between Damonte Ranch Parkway and College Parkway has reopened.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue reported that the Davis Fire may not be active Sunday morning, but there are still many hot spots and flames could flare up throughout the day due to a red flag warning.

Evacuations on the north side of the fire have been reduced to evacuation warnings only.

Mt. Rose Highway remains closed northbound from I-580 to the summit and southbound from the summit of Mt. Rose to the bottom of the hill.

NV Energy has de-energized equipment in the Washoe Valley area, leaving nearly 20,000 customers without power. There is no time to restore power.

By Sunday morning, at least 12 buildings had been destroyed by the fire and about 1,500 acres had burned. Fire officials expect updated maps soon.

——

ORIGINAL STORY

A wildfire continues to rage in the Washoe Valley early Sunday morning. The Davis Fire has burned about 1,500 acres and at least 12 buildings, forcing evacuations of hundreds of residents and shutting down the highway.

Evacuations and shelters

Evacuations are in effect for residents in the Winters Creek, Montreux, Washoe City, St. James Village and Saddlehorn areas due to the fire. The area shaded in red below is urged to evacuate immediately.

An evacuation shelter has been set up at the Washoe County Senior Center at 1155 E. 9th St. — it will remain open overnight for those affected. A large animal shelter has been set up at the UNR Horse Riding Center on Valley Road.

An evacuation warning has been issued for residents of Galena Terrace and Virginia City Highlands (shaded yellow).

Fire details

According to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, as of 8:50 p.m. Saturday, the fire had destroyed 12 structures and an estimated 3,500 acres and was spreading rapidly due to high winds.

According to Washoe County, Davis Creek Park suffered multiple structural losses, including a park residence. A county spokesperson said the family living in the park residence was safely evacuated, but the home and belongings were lost and some pets were missing.

“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 have been safely evacuated,” said Parks Superintendent Colleen Wallace-Barnum. “Evacuations are in progress and we are asking anyone who does not need to be on the road to avoid the area and give firefighters space to work.”

It is unclear whether the other burned buildings were outbuildings or residences.

The Nevada National Guard has been called in to assist with overall firefighting efforts. The initial request was for hand crews and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when aerial firefighting resumes Sunday morning.

Road closures

I-580 remains closed from Damonte Ranch Parkway in south Reno to College Parkway in Carson City as of Sunday morning. US-395A is also closed through Washoe Valley. You are urged to avoid commuting from Reno to Carson City if possible.

Mt. Rose Highway is closed from the ski area to Douglas Fir Drive.

Power outage

NV Energy has de-energized equipment near Washoe City due to the Davis Fire, which left nearly 20,000 residents without power.

The utility is actively monitoring fire and weather conditions to determine when it is safe to turn power back on. They say power shutoffs are done to protect first responders and the community they serve.

Residents in the fire area should expect possible power outages, depending on how the fire behaves.

Discount on room rates for affected residents

A number of local hotels and resorts are offering discounts to residents left homeless by the fire.

People affected by the fire can stay at the Eldorado, Circus Circus or Silver Legacy for $59 plus a free resort fee.

The Nugget Casino in Sparks also offers discounted rooms. Guests must ask for the evacuee rate at check-in and show a valid ID.

Extended Stay America in Sparks offers rooms for $99.

The Sure Stay near Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers rooms for $74.

J Resort offers displaced individuals and families a deeply discounted rate of $49 per night, with no resort fee.

Weather conditions

The National Weather Service in Reno issued a red flag warning for much of western Nevada on Sunday, making firefighting difficult due to unfavorable weather conditions. The warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday.