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WCSD schools closed, fire chiefs issue stern warnings
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WCSD schools closed, fire chiefs issue stern warnings

The Davis Fire south of Reno continued to burn Wednesday in its fifth day. The blaze, first reported Saturday afternoon, has burned an estimated 5,646 acres and was 31 percent contained, according to information released by authorities Tuesday night. Much of the containment line is on the southeast side of the fire, near Little Washoe Lake.

A fire warning remains in effect in the region on Wednesday, due to strong winds and low humidity, which could cause fires to grow larger and more intense.

More: Where to stay if you are displaced by the Davis fire: shelter options, special hotel rates

Reno Fire Chief Warns of What Could Happen Wednesday

Fire chiefs from Reno and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District warned that the Davis Fire Department will be moving extensively on Wednesday.

“Prepare your action plan for you and your family,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Charlie Moore. “Prepare a bag to take with you. Take your medications, your important papers, pets, pet food, anything you need to care for your pet.”

“Yes, it is that serious,” Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran said in a video posted Tuesday night. “We need you to listen.”

He said residents in the area should be prepared to be away from home for at least three days.

“The best models show this fire will move at least 3.6 miles, but it could easily be 7 miles,” he said.

New mandatory evacuation zones are expected to be released Wednesday morning. Winds are forecast to reach 70 mph in the fire area on Wednesday.

More: Davis Fire: Perimeter expected to expand 3 to 7 miles north Wednesday

Tune in to Tuesday’s community meeting

Firefighters reported alarming news about the Davis fire, which is predicted to spread as far as seven miles on Wednesday.

Fire officials said they will set up new evacuation areas Wednesday morning.

The fire that started in the Washoe Valley on September 7 has burned nearly 5,700 hectares. The fire, which was 31 percent contained Tuesday night, is expected to become much worse on Wednesday.

Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charlie Moore said winds are expected to increase, creating a rare and devastating weather system.

Click here to watch a recording of the community meeting.

Washoe County School District Closes All Schools Wednesday Due to Davis Fire

The Washoe County School District has announced that all schools will be closed on Wednesday.

The school district notified parents Tuesday evening via voicemail, text message and email messages.

“Based on extensive consultation with public safety officials and taking into account the erratic behavior observed at the Davis Fire and the deteriorating forecasted conditions, all schools in the Washoe County School District will be closed on Wednesday, September 11,” the district said in a message to families.

“Canceling schools is not a decision we take lightly, but we must ensure the safety of all of our students, families and staff while also supporting our region’s public safety personnel. The Davis Fire remains out of control and is having a significant impact on our community.”

Classes were canceled Monday at all WCSD schools except Gerlach K-12. Classes were also canceled Tuesday at nine WCSD schools closest to the fire.

NV Energy: 2,379 Customers Still Without Power Due to Davis Fire

According to NV Energy, an estimated 2,379 customers were still without power Tuesday evening due to the Davis fire.

The utility confirmed it has restored power to nearly 800 customers, including in Washoe City, Franktown and Toiyabe. However, NV Energy warned that the Davis Fire is still quite active and that more power outages are possible to prevent secondary ignitions and protect responders, especially if weather conditions further fuel the spread of the wildfire.

“We expect that there will be further emergency shutdowns for customers,” NV Energy said in a statement.

“This evening we notified approximately 4,200 customers to prepare for a possible power outage as the fire moves.”