Davis Fire burns 5,000 acres near Reno; 12,000+ evacuated, no containment
The Davis Fire south of Reno has burned approximately 5,000 acres according to fire officials, triggering evacuations and forcing school closures across the area.
As of Sunday evening, officials reported the fire had burned 6,500 acres and there was no containment. However, on Monday morning, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue said updated mapping showed fire at 4,703 acres.
UPDATE: Davis Fire south of Reno still raging as Red Flag Warning goes into effect
There are currently 600 fire personnel on scene trying contain the fire. As of 9 a.m. Monday, there was no change in current status of the evacuation orders and warnings already in place.
Fire officials said the fire held in most areas overnight, but more gusty winds are expected Monday.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District incident commander August Isernhagen said that crews focused their efforts on the western side of the first on Sunday and that those efforts would continue Monday.
"Today, in terms of the suppression side, we're getting new crews, new engines and heavy equipment working in that area," Isernhagen said.
He said the other main objective was to mop up and secure the area along the 395 corridor up into the Saint James Joy Lake area in order to expedite getting homeowners back into those communities.
A later update at around 6 p.m. estimated the size of the fire at about 5,000 acres.
Wind will continue to be a factor, with a Red Flag Warning for high winds and low humidity in the forecast for Tuesday, with Wednesday expected to be the strongest prior to passage of a cold front. Smoke will continue to be visible in the Reno area from increased fire activity during high wind events.
NV Energy has restored power to thousands of customers. At the peak, there were 17,000 customers without power over the weekend. As of Monday evening, there were 3,116 customers without power, which included those who are closest to the fire and where powerline infrastructure was damaged and is being repaired.
The fire broke out near a campground at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Washoe Valley between Reno to the north and Carson City.
There were evacuations issued in St. James Village, Galena and areas south of Mount Rose Highway, according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.
The Washoe County School District canceled all classes in the district for Monday with the exception of a K-12 school in Gerlach in the northern part of the county which includes Reno.
The fire also caused Interstate 580 to shut down between Carson City and Reno.
It was reopened on Sunday.
