A wildfire started early this afternoon (January 19) in the Pleasant Valley area just south of Reno. Named the Washoe Drive Fire, wind-driven flames are sending up a heavy pall of choking smoke that is blowing into the Reno area. Stiff winds from an approaching storm system are pushing the fire through tinder-dry brush and grass. As yet, the storm has not brought any rain and is only fanning the flames. At about 4 p.m., around 300 to 400 acres were involved.
According to coverage in the Reno Gazette-Journal, some homes have already burned and others are threatened. Evacuations have been ordered and a shelter set up at Damonte Ranch High School. Students at Pleasant Valley Elementary School were safely evacuated to Damonte Ranch, where parents can pick them up. U.S. 395 is closed in both directions just south of the Mt. Rose Highway.
Depending on how the fire progresses, more evacuations may become necessary. It is headed toward populated areas in Galena, south Reno, and the Virginia Range foothills. A big geothermal power plant sits between the fire and the Mt. Rose Highway. If you live in the vicinity, be prepared to evacuate. Stay on top of the latest developments by monitoring reports on local news media such as...
- Washoe County Government - a state of emergency has been declared.
- Reno Gazette-Journal
- KTVN2 News
- KOLO8 News
- Map of Evacuation Area
Get more Reno / Tahoe information:
- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter.
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