Davis Fire prompts 20K evacuations, cancels classes in Reno area

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A fire that started on Saturday between Reno and Carson City has forced the evacuation of about 20,000 people and caused Washoe County to cancel school.

The Davis Fire is now estimated from 4,700 to 6,500 acres with 600 firefighters on the scene. The fire began in the Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley, a heavily forested area with steep terrain.

Gov. Joe Lombardo issued an emergency declaration on Sunday. Businesses were warned that price gouging during the emergency would not be tolerated.

So far, no injuries have been reported, but as many as 14 structures have been affected.

According to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, “The fire held in most areas overnight. No containment. Wind gusts are expected later today.” That information came in a Facebook post.

The U.S. Forest Service reports Interstate 580 between Reno and Carson City has reopened. Old U.S. Highway 395 is open from Reno to Eastlake Boulevard, but the road is closed from East Lake Boulevard to the Bowers Mansion Interchange. Mt. Rose Highway remains closed. For updates on road closures, visit: https://www.nvroads.com/ .

The evacuation affected neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds. Parts of south Reno remained under the evacuation notice on Monday, firefighters said, and some homes, businesses and traffic signals in the area were without power. In addition to the Reno area, evacuations affected Arrow Creek, Sky Tavern, Mt. Rose Ski Resort and Logan Meadows.

NV Energy reported it has turned some power off in the area to prevent the fire from igniting in new places. Customers were advised to prepare for prolonged outages.

The Washoe County School District canceled classes across the county. One K-12 school in Gerlach was not affected by the order.

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