UPDATE: 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 at 5,000 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. Lombardo visited the scene on Monday, thanking firefighters for their hard work.

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

The Washoe County School District canceled classes across the county on Monday. Closures will continue into Tuesday at Galena High School, Marce Herz Middle School, Hunsberger Elementary School, Lenz Elementary School, Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Marvin Picollo School, Incline High School, Incline Middle School and Incline Elementary School. All other schools will be in session.

A red flag warning for high winds is in Tuesday’s forecast. The fire is 0% contained, according to an update provided Monday night.

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.

On Monday, firefighters worked to keep the fire south and east of the Mt. Rose Highway, which links south Reno to Lake Tahoe.

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, Montreux, St. James Village, West Washoe Valley, Galena Terrace, Sky Tavern, Mt. Rose Ski Resort and Logan Meadows.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Senior Center located at 1155 E. 9th St. in Reno, and Washoe County Regional Animal Services has mobile shelters on site for small animals. Large animals can be taken to the University of Reno Equestrian Center in Reno or Fuji Park in Carson City.

NV Energy has restored power to several thousand customers. At the peak there were 17,000 customers without power. Currently, there are 3,116 customers without power.

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