WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
Firefighters and emergency personal are making progress on the Washoe Drive Fire with the primary focus this morning of securing the perimeter of the blaze and extinguishing hot spots prior to winds picking back up today in advance of an oncoming winter storm.
Rhett Milne, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno, says they are watching a powerful Pacific storm that is pushing into the area today bringing high winds and rain. “The biggest threat will be the heavy rain and potential flash flooding coming off the burn areas in the affected Washoe Fire areas but also the Caughlin Fire burn areas.”
During a press conference this morning at Depoali Middle School, Sheriff Mike Haley confirmed that a total of 26 homes had been lost in the Washoe Fire. “This fire moved so fast yesterday afternoon and I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of the firefighters who were able to hold the loss of structures to fire damage at 26 homes.”
Officials also updated the total acreage the fire has consumed to 3,900 acres with firefighters able to save more than 800 homes located inside the Washoe Fire perimeter. Elected officials from both Washoe County and the City of Reno are already on the scene of the fire this morning taking a tour of the burn areas.
County Manager Katy Simon says, “I have visited many of the sites already and the devastation is heartbreaking. The outstanding professionalism and courage of our emergency responders can’t be overstated. They put their lives on the line for us again. We also want to encourage citizens to donate to the Red Cross so that they can help the fire victims and the emergency responders.”
Citizens in need of resources or wishing to donate may contact the Red Cross at 775.856.1000. Citizens can call 211 or 775.337.5800 for evacuation information.
Postal service will not be delivered in the evacuation areas in Pleasant Valley and along US 395 and beginning Saturday residents can pick up their mail at the following locations:
- 89704 – Residents in that zip code can pick up mail at the Carson City Post Office located at 1111 S. Roop St.
- 89511, 89521 – Residents in that zip code can pick up mail at the Steamboat Post Office located at 75 McCabe Dr. in Reno
Fire and Emergency personal will be holding another press conference at 5 p.m. tonight at Depoali Middle School in the multi-purpose room.
Citizens are encouraged to visit www.washoecounty.us and follow @washoesheriff and @washoecounty on Twitter for the latest official information.
