A wildfire broke out in Davis Creek Regional Park around 2:30 p.m. today, and the park has suffered several structural losses, according to Washoe County Parks & Open Space. Washoe County has declared a state of emergency in order to draw on regional resources.
One of the structures lost to the fire was a park residence. The family was evacuated safely but the home and possessions are lost, and some pets are unaccounted for.
“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 were evacuated safely,” Parks Superintendent Colleen Wallace-Barnum said. “Evacuations are in place and we ask everyone who does not need to be out on the roads to avoid the area and give fire crews room to work.”
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest are in unified command in management of the fire. “Unified command” refers to a collaborative approach in incident management where multiple agencies coordinate and work together to respond to fires. Also assisting are City of Reno Fire Department, City of Sparks Fire Department, Carson City Fire Department, and others.
The fire is now estimated to be approximately 1,500 acres with at around 12 structures lost. A large portion of south Reno is under evacuation notice, and Virginia City Highlands is under an evacuation warning. Interstate 580 is closed in both directions between Reno and Carson City, as is Old 395 and Eastlake Boulevard.
Those in the evacuation area should not wait to leave. There is an evacuation shelter set up at the Senior Center located at 1155 E 9th Street, in Reno, and Washoe County Regional Animal Services has mobile shelters on site for small animals. Large animals can be taken to the UNR Equestrian Center in Reno or Fuji Park in Carson City for those who cannot get to Reno. Several area hotels are offering special rates for evacuees. Please call ahead to confirm availability and rates:
- The Row, Reno: $59, resort fees waived
- Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, $100, use code EVAC24
- Best Western on Nugget Avenue, Sparks, $119, pets allowed
Those who are in an evacuation warning zone should be prepared to leave. Those who do not need to be on the road should shelter in place and avoid the area. Follow www.perimetermap.com for updates on road closures and evacuations.
Northern Nevada Public Health issues Air Quality Advisory due to smoke from Davis Creek Fire
Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory due to the Davis Creek Fire burning in southern Washoe County.
Air monitors for the most southern region have hit the “Unhealthy” range, which is 101-150 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). That means some members of the general public may experience health effects. Learn more about the AQI here.
All residents in impacted areas are encouraged to regularly monitor the air quality nearest them on AirNow.gov’s Fire and Smoke Map and limit outdoor exposure when they see or smell smoke.
More info on air quality can be found on the Northern Nevada Public Health X account.
