The Davis Fire was smoking at 7 a.m. Tuesday as seen from the Calaveras Alert Wildfire camera near Virginia Highlands.
The National Weather Service in Reno issued a red flag warning for critical fire danger for 11 a.m. today to 8 p.m. Wednesday as more than 600 firefighters are working on the Davis Fire burning in the Carson Range above Washoe Valley this morning.
According to the warning, forecasters said the fire danger may last 3-5 hours today, before the winds die down at night. On Wednesday, winds may start as early as 9 a.m. with six or more hours of critical conditions.
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As of 11:50 a.m., the fire was putting out a new plume as the wind picked up.
The Davis Fire burned through the night with most of the growth heading up the mountain to the Mount Rose Highway, which remains closed this morning.
While Nevadafireinfo.org reports the fire is at 6,500 acres, the Truckee Meadows Fire District's social media says improved mapping puts it at 4,703 acres but without containment, it's likely to expand this afternoon.
According to the district there are 600 firefighters working the blaze, including nine hand crews 39 engines and four helicopters.
This morning's federal incident update reports the cost of fighting the fire, so far, is at $1.2 million with a containment date of Oct. 30.
Interstate 580 is open though Highway 395 alternate and the Mount Rose Highway are closed.
Satellite data from the Fire Information for Resource Management System shows a lot of fire within the interior and the possibility of spot fires in the mountains north of the Mount Rose Highway.
The Nevada Alert Wildfire camera at Calaveras in the Virginia Highlands showed flames this morning.
Breezy conditions forecast for this, and Tuesday afternoon will complicate firefighters’ efforts to contain the blaze, according to the forecast with southwest winds picking up around 1-2 p.m. today gusting to around 25 mph.
“However, if the fire flares up again it could generate short periods of stronger gusts in close proximity to the larger plumes,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Mark Deutschendorf said in this morning’s forecast.
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The Davis fire has grown to 6,500 acres with zero containment as it burns up the mountains and across Mount Rose Highway.
As of this evening, 14 structures have been affected by the fire, though the exact damage assessment will have to wait.
Firefighters were able to hold eastern, northern and southern end of the fire, but the western front moved toward the highway.
A portion of south Reno remains under evacuation notice, affecting around 12,000-14,000 people. Evacuations are in place for Arrow Creek, Sky Tavern, Mt. Rose Ski Resort, and Logan Meadows.
NV Energy says 6,300 customers are without power due to the fire.
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With the Davis Fire growing to 5,000 acres Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon.
Approximately 20,000 people have been evacuated from residential neighborhoods and businesses. The state declaration follows Washoe County’s local emergency proclamation.
“As the Davis Fire continues to threaten neighborhoods and critical infrastructure in Washoe County, I have declared a State of Emergency,” Lombardo said. “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.”
The declaration directs all state agencies to work through the Nevada Operations Center 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.
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The Davis Fire is reported to be 3,300 acres and is sending up a smoke plume visible from Gardnerville.
That’s prompted a few 911 calls reporting wildfires from residents who see the plume and believe it’s closer than northern Washoe Valley.
Truckee Meadows firefighters said there is as yet no containment on the fire which increased in activity around 12:30 p.m.
“Multiple structures have been impacted,” firefighters said. “A portion of south Reno remains under evacuation notice. Power outages in the area have left some homes, business and traffic signals without electricity.”
An 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 was still open as of 2 p.m. but could close again if the fire comes close.
As if on cue, the Davis Fire started putting up smoke right as a red flag warning took effect across the Sierra Front.
The plume was visible from Spooner Summit where a report of a wildfire turned out to be smoke from the fire burning in northern Washoe Valley, according to Tahoe Douglas firefighters.
The Nevada Department of Transportation reported at 9:53 a.m. that Interstate 580 reopened.
Highway 395 A is open in Pleasant Valley but remains closed in Washoe Valley according to the post to social media.
The Calaveras, Nev., Alert Wildfire camera showed a few small smoke plumes at around 10 a.m., an hour before the wind is forecast to pick up again. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for critical fire danger through 8 p.m. tonight.
The Davis fire grew to more than 1,500 acres in less than four hours on Saturday and claimed at least a half-dozen structures, according to Truckee Meadows firefighters.
“Please do not expect any containment numbers on the Davis Fire in the initial hours or days of this incident,” Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue posted to social media 11 p.m. Saturday.
The fire burned through the night and prompted the National Weather Service to issue another red flag warning for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
The fire was visible burning through the night on Alertwildfire.org cameras as dawn broke to heavy smoke clinging to the mountains above Interstate 580, which remained closed through Washoe Valley this morning. Also closed by the fire was the Mount Rose Highway from near the summit to the junction with the Interstate.
Fire Information for Resource Management System satellite imagery shows most of the burning overnight was centered less than a mile west of Little Washoe Lake and about a mile and a half from Washoe City.
Southwest winds are expected to drive the fire today as firefighters work to get ahead of the blaze.
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Interstate 580 through Washoe Valley has been closed due to a fire burning near Davis Creek.
The interstate is closed between Bellevue and Mount Rose exits, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.
According to news sources, the fire jumped Highway 395 toward Washoe City, thanks to strong downslope winds.
Evacuations are underway for the area, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
A red flag warning is in effect through 8 p.m. tonight for gusty winds and low humidity across the Sierra Front.
Storey County has issued a preparation alert for residents of Virginia City Highlands, asking them to be prepared to leave should the fire spread further northeast.
The fire was reported at 2:19 p.m., according to Nevadafireinfo.org
Air tankers have responded to the fire which has grown to more than five acres, according to some sources.
East Fork and Tahoe Douglas firefighters are responding with a brush truck and an engine.
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