A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” and “exceptionally rare event” says NWS as the Davis Fire burns over 2 000 ha (5 600 acres) in Nevada, U.S.
The Davis Fire burns through over 2 285 ha (5 600 acres ) near Reno, Nevada, as firefighters attempt to control the blaze. A Red Flag Warning has been issued due to strong winds, and evacuation orders remain in place for several communities.
Image credit: Reno Firefighters
- The fire has impacted at least 14 structures as it burns through timber and bush with medium to long-range spotting.
- Reno office of the National Weather Service (NWS) said this will be a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning for September 11.
- This is only the sixth PDS Red Flag Warning issued in NWS Reno history, making it an ‘exceptionally rare event.’
- Evacuation orders have been issued for St. James Village, Galena, and areas south of Mount Rose Highway. An evacuation center has been set up at the Washoe County Senior Center at 1155 E. 9th Street in Reno.
The Davis Fire broke out at Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley, south of Reno, Nevada, at around 14:30 local time (LT) on September 7. The fire is currently 31% contained with an acreage of approximately 2 285 ha (5 646 acres ). The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The fire has impacted at least 14 structures as it burns through timber and bush with medium to long-range spotting. Damage assessments will be done when conditions are favorable in the affected regions. 12 helicopters, 10 bulldozers, 58 engines, 15 crews, and 620 firefighting personnel have been assigned to suppress the fire.
West-to-southwest winds of 24 – 48 km/h (15 – 30 mph), gusting to 64 km/h (40 mph), are forecast for Wednesday. Temperatures will range from 33 °C (92 °F) at the lower elevations to 23 °C (74 °F) at the higher elevations, fire officials said.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 LT on September 10 to 20:00 LT on September 12 due to strong winds expected ahead of a cold front. Smoke will continue to rise in the Reno area due to increased fire activity caused by high winds.
According to the Reno office of the National Weather Service (NWS), this will be a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning for September 11.
This is only the sixth PDS Red Flag Warning issued in NWS Reno history, making it an ‘exceptionally rare event,” said the NWS. “Prepare now for rapid fire growth.”
The last PDS RFW was issued on September 15 – 16, 2019.
Note that this is only the 6th PDS RFW issued in NWS Reno history. The last PDS RFW was issued September 15-16, 2019. This is an exceptionally rare event.
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) September 10, 2024
⚠️A Red Flag Warning has been issued for gusty winds and low humidity, effective from 11 AM Tuesday to 8 PM Wednesday. On Tuesday, southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. On Wednesday, west-to-southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. pic.twitter.com/j7kcZI6vQ7
— Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (@TMFPD) September 10, 2024
Reno Firefighters continue to provide structure protection near the Joy lake area. pic.twitter.com/Y4HD14CK2d
— Reno Firefighters (@RenoFirefighter) September 9, 2024
Fire crews continue to attack the Davis Fire. Air craft are hitting it hard near the Sky Tavern area, while ground crews are providing structure protection in the surrounding homes. pic.twitter.com/dwTo9Ej0dR
— Reno Firefighters (@RenoFirefighter) September 9, 2024
#davisfire 10:55 pm backside of mtrose coming from Lake Tahoe to south Reno (home) after a wedding shoot. I had my professional gear, and risked getting side swiped. But these are the dangers of fires in September. People have to suffer. #renonevada #mtrose @TMFPD pic.twitter.com/trNYsJ8LFk
— Erica Blaine (@EricaMrsAmerica) September 10, 2024
Dramatic footage from today on Mt Rose of firefighters battling the #davisfire now over 30% contained pic.twitter.com/x8KOvqg36c
— Biggest Little Streets (@OurTownReno) September 11, 2024
Davis creek fire. My house was evacuated. pic.twitter.com/GlqUChkvuY
— (@Omg_Its_Krista) September 9, 2024
Always nerve-racking for the kids to have an active fire. Our house is less than a mile from the evac zone of the Davis Creek Fire. Smoke everywhere, power out. We had many friends evacuated. 12 structures lost and 1500 acres burned on edge of Reno suburbs.
— Adam Paul Laxalt (@AdamLaxalt) September 8, 2024
Long night for the… pic.twitter.com/dpBs59yiBW
Evacuation orders have been issued for St. James Village, Galena, and areas south of Mount Rose Highway. An evacuation center has been set up at the Washoe County Senior Center at 1155 E. 9th Street in Reno, officials said.
Old U.S. Highway 395 is open from Mt. Rose Highway to East Lake Boulevard but remains closed from East Lake Boulevard to the Bowers Mansion Interchange. U.S. Route 431 also called the Mount Rose Highway , remains closed.
References;
1 Davis Fire – State of Nevada – September 10, 2024
2 Davis Fire south of Reno still raging as Red Flag Warning goes into effect – CBS – September 10, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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