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Davis Fire
2024 wildfire in Nevada, USA From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Davis Fire was a destructive, fast-moving wildfire that burned in Washoe Valley, Nevada in September 2024. After igniting in Davis Creek Regional Park due to an improperly extinguished campfire around 2:30 P.M. on September 7, the fire quickly spread and grew to 1,500 acres (610 ha) that evening. Fourteen structures were destroyed, 5824 acres were burned, and thousands of people were evacuated.[1] While the fire was burning, it was the third largest fire in Nevada in 2024.[2]
Models forecasted the fire could have spread enormously on September 11, with forecasts that predicted violent winds gusting up to 70 MPH that would have resulted in the fire growing 3.5 to 7 miles northward. This would have damaged or destroyed hundreds to thousands of structures.[3] The possibility of the fire spreading resulted in a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) red flag warning to be issued, only the sixth ever issued by the National Weather Service Reno and the first since 2019.[4][5]
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Background
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Over the first ten days of September 2024 (including the day the Davis Fire ignited) there were above average temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong winds in the area aided the fire the day of ignition. These conditions continued into the beginning stages of the Davis Fire, which prompted red flag warnings in the area for the first few days and helped the fire rapidly spread.[6] On September 11, there were sustained winds up to 40 MPH.[7] The strong winds were a result of a low-pressure area passing over the fire.[8]
The Davis Fire and and other wildfires in Nevada over 2024 spread quicker and started easier because of the invasive cheat grass species. While above-average snow packs had hindered fire activity in previous years, this led to an abundance of the cheat grass to grow. The cheat grass dried out right before the fire season began, which gave these fires a plentiful amount of dry fuel.[9] Additionally, there were dry conditions throughout the state.[10] The portions of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest the Davis Fire burned in areas where the forest was much denser.[11] There were large numbers of dry fire fuels that included pine needles, dead leaves, and dead tree limbs.[12] The fire was primarily burning in brush.[13]
Climate change has caused a longer heat waves (including around the time of the fire), and overall, has led to an increase of wildfires in the Western United States. The warmer temperatures created more and drier fuels for the fire.[14][15]
The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District station that would have been closest to the Davis Fire, the Bowers Mansion station, was permanently closed in 2022 from a bat infestation. Crews would have arrived earlier, and a resident stated having a closer station would have helped "big time" in combatting the fire.[16]
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Cause
The Davis Fire was first reported in the day use area of Davis Creek Regional Park around 2:30 P.M. on September 7, 2024, and was burning in heavy timber and brush. The fire was about 2 miles west of the Slide Mountain summit.[17] At the time, the fire was three acres. After extensive investigations and interviews, the fire was determined to have been started by an improperly extinguished campfire, with an accidental motive. However, in the day use area, campfires are banned in Davis Creek Regional Park.[18] Early in the investigations, officials determined the fire was not started by lightning or an electrical malfunction, and were asking to be alerted of any information related to the start of the fire.[19][20]
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Progression
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September 7–11
On September 7 around 2:30 P.M., a three-acre vegetation fire was reported burning in heavy timber and brush in Davis Creek Regional Park. The fire quickly destroyed structures in the park.[21] Evacuations were prompted for Southwest Reno, New Washoe City, and an evacuation warning for Virginia City Highlands. Interstate 580/US Route 395 was closed from Damonte Ranch Parkway in Reno to College Parkway in Carson City in both directions, the main route from Reno to Carson City. Subsequently, roads leading out of New Washoe City were reportedly backed up for miles. The fire had grown to 1500 acres that evening. NV Energy cut power to 16698 customers and 179 gas customers were affected. Those who had not yet lost power were told to be prepared for potential outages. An evacuation center was put into place at the Washoe County Senior Citizen Center.[22] Washoe County Regional Animal Services had mobile shelters for small animals, and large animal shelters were located the University of Nevada, Reno Equestrian Center in Reno and Fuji Park and Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City. Those at the governor's office contacted agencies from several other states to assist with containing the fire. U.S. Route 395 Alternate was closed in Washoe Valley.[23][24]
On September 8, Davis Fire had grown to 6,500 acres and had made an extreme northwards spread towards Mount Rose Highway. The fire had picked up since September 7.[25] Interstate 580 had reopened between Reno and Carson City, along with Alternate US 395 to the interchange with Bowers Mansion Road. Evacuations were affecting around twelve to fourteen thousand people, and several hotels were giving discounted rates on rooms for evacuees.[26] Evacuations were reinstated in areas north of Mount Rose Highway that had been removed overnight.[27] The governor of Nevada, Joe Lombardo, declared a state of emergency due to the Davis Fire, and Washoe County also declared an emergency proclamation.[28] The estimated size of the fire was lowered, and was now at 4,703 acres (1,903 ha).[29] Fire crews were prioritizing on keeping the fire south and east of Mount Rose Highway.[30] Evacuations expanded that night as winds drove the fire towards Mount Rose Highway.[31]
Active fire behavior was observed on the southwestern edge near Mount Rose Highway on September 9. Despite aircraft limitations from strong wind and smoke, crews took advantage of roads and natural features. There were local strike teams prioritizing in structure protection, and out-of-state resources were sent in.[32] 12 - 14,000 people were under evacuation orders.[33] The evacuation warning for Virginia City Highlands was lifted, and most power had been restored.[34]
Another red flag warning was issued on September 10, allowing the fire to spread to 5,600 acres (2,300 ha).[35] So far, suppression efforts cost $1.2M million.[36] Crews worked on controlling the fire's perimeter, particularly with high activity. A community meeting was scheduled that night.[32]
A particularly dangerous situation was issued for September 11 because forecasts predicted sustained winds from 40 and 70 MPH, mostly from a cold front moving over the area.[32][37] All off duty firefighters were ordered to work on the fire.[38] However, there was only slight growth on the fire and crews held the fire lines. The high wind gusts grounded all firefighting planes and helicopters.[39] There were 600 firefighters, 58 fire engines, 12 helicopters, and 10 bulldozers combating the fire.[40] Containment lines were established for the northernmost part of the fire, the area of the fire that posed the greatest risk to homes in Reno.[41] However, the fire grew to just 5,824 acres (2,357 ha) compared to forecasts, and was 37% contained. 2,600 structures were still threatened, including ones at risk from spotting. All evacuation orders and warnings remained in place because of the fire's remaining threat to grow overnight. Fire officials were stationed around the area to answer questions from residents.[42]
September 12 onwards
Winds had subsided on September 12, there would be cooler temperatures around 70 °F, and humidity levels had reached 60%.[43] The fire stayed within its footprint, and 685 personnel achieved 56% containment.[44] Half of the customers without power re-energized, and evacuations warnings were lifted.[45]
A cold front that blew in brought moisture on September 14 that would last for a few days after, aiding suppression on the fire.[46] Containment increased to 76%, and evacuations in Galena and St. James Village were lifted.[47] On September 15, firefighters changed suppression to promote forest regrowth by removing resources from secured areas. Containment increased to 76%. Fire crews no longer asked for donations.[48]
The fire was at 85% containment by September 16 and the entirety of Mount Rose Highway reopened, which was the primary road from Reno to Lake Tahoe. Out-of-state resources were now being repurposed to other fires. Rain would support fire suppression. By now, all evacuations had been lifted. Rain was possible, with accumulations from 0.25–0.5 inches (6.4–12.7 mm) of rain.[49]
On September 17, when the fire had reached 92% containment and there were colder temperatures, a burned area emergency response and local agencies began conducting a damage assessment in the burned area.[50] Higher humidity levels and rain had helped suppression efforts.[51] Crews were split between patrolling the fire's perimeter and repairing the effected area. There were no more mop up or suppression efforts.[3]
The Davis Fire was fully contained on September 25, 2024, after burning 5,824 acres (2,357 ha).[52]
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Effects
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Damage
The Davis Fire destroyed fourteen structures (eleven homes, two commercial buildings, and a church) and twenty-two outbuildings. The church that was destroyed was the Holy Spirit Catholic Mission. It had the only Latin mass in Northern Nevada. All documents were lost in the fire.[53] The historic Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory was almost burned down the by the fire, which came very close to the entrance.[54] At the fire's peak, over thirty-six thousand structures were threatened.[55] Many structures were threatened because the fire took place in the heavily populated foothills of the Carson Range. Additionally, these structures were in a wildfire urban interface where there are urban communities in wildfire prone areas.[56]
While fighting the fire, Washoe County experienced a shortage of resources to fight the fire. There was a subsequent liability from this and the long term recovery of affected individuals.[57]
Residents in Southwest Reno were asked by Truckee Meadows Water Authority not to use outdoor watering or sprinkling systems and to limit all water usage so fire crews would have water to fight the fire.[58] On September 7, 18,698 NV Energy customers were affected by power outages in the Reno area.[59] On September 10, there was a public safety outage for Carson City, Glenbrook, and Genoa for 322 customers.[60]
Three broadcast stations on Slide Mountain were effected by power outages issued because of the fire. Suppression efforts on the fire had cost $2 million.[61]
One firefighter suffered an eye injury that ended his career, and he lost sight in his eye. He received the injury while protecting homes near St. James Village.[62] A bear injured in the fire was treated for severe burns. Caretakers reported that the bear would take some time to fully recover. The bear was taken care by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.[63] However, the bear's burns were quite extensive, so the bear had to be euthanized.[64]
Closures and evacuations
The Washoe County School District cancelled classes for some schools in Southwest Reno for the week of September 9 to September 13. To avoid adding more days beyond the contingency day period, WCSD cancelled the professional learning day scheduled for January 6, 2025 and spring student-teacher conferences.[65] In-person classes at the University of Nevada, Reno Redfield Campus were cancelled for the same week as schools in the WCSD.[66] South Valleys Library was closed so firefighters would have a command post.[67] Several youth sports activities were cancelled as a result of the fire.[68]
Twenty thousand people were under evacuation notices in South Reno, New Washoe City, and Washoe Valley.[69]
The United States Forest Service (USFS) issued an emergency closure for portions of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to protect civilians and firefighters until September 25.[70] Davis Creek Regional Park was closed after the Davis Fire and will remain closed throughout 2025, after causing heavy infrastructure damage.[71] Mt. Rose Campground was temporarily closed but was reopened after the fire was fully contained.[72]
Looters were reported in evacuated areas, so guards had to be put up to keep property and possession safe.[73] Several roads were closed during the fire, with the larger roads being Interstate 580 from Damonte Ranch Parkway in Reno to College Parkway in Carson City, Old U.S. 395, and Mount Rose Highway from its terminus with South Virginia Street to Douglas Fir Drive.[74]
Kamala Harris's vice president pick, Tim Walz, postponed a rally scheduled in Reno on September 9.[75] The event was rescheduled for October 8.[76]
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe and Sky Tavern Ski Area were very close to the boundary of the Davis Fire. Mount Rose Ski Tahoe was setting up sprinklers at the base lodges, and assets were relocated. Several trails in the area were also affected. Ultimately, the ski resorts were unharmed.[77][78]
Environmental impacts
An air quality advisory was issued for southern Washoe County due to smoke because of the fire. Air quality levels were frequently in the unhealthy range.[79] Combined with the Bridge, Line, and Airport fires, there was smoke pollution in Southern Nevada.[80]
Investigations and damage assessments reported that most soil would not be severely damaged by the fire, and afflicted soil will likely recover in the next five years. However, there were some areas that had a small risk of high erosion.[81] Some areas would have major erosion or runoff during periods of heavy rain, with a larger flash flood risk from water-repellent soil.[82] As the fire burned in the foothills and at the base of Slide Mountain, avalanches and rockslides were expected to occur in the burned area. The Washoe Valley watershed was polluted with ash and was being monitored.[83]
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Growth and containment table
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See also
References
External links
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