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WCSD schools closed, urgent warnings from fire chiefs

WCSD schools closed, urgent warnings from fire chiefs

The Davis Fire south of Reno has been burning for a fifth day since Wednesday. The fire, first reported Saturday afternoon, has burned an estimated 5,646 acres and was 31% contained, authorities said Tuesday evening. Much of the containment line is on the southeast side of the fire near Little Washoe Lake.

A forest fire warning remains in effect for the region on Wednesday: gusty winds and low humidity can lead to larger and more intense forest fires.

More: Where to stay if you have to leave your home because of the Davis fire: accommodation options, special hotel rates

Reno fire chief warns of possible events on Wednesday

Fire chiefs from the Reno and Truckee Meadows fire protection districts warned that the Davis Fire would spread — significantly — on Wednesday.

“Prepare your plan of action for yourself and your families,” said Charlie Moore, chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire District. “Prepare a bag to take with you. Bring your medications, your important papers, pets, pet food and anything you need to care for your pet.”

“Yes, it is that serious,” Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran said in a video released Tuesday night. “We need you to listen.”

He said residents in the region should expect to be unable to leave their homes for at least three days.

“The best model calculations show that the fire will spread at least 5.5 kilometers, but it could also reach up to 11 kilometers,” he said.

New mandatory evacuation zones are expected to be announced Wednesday morning, with forecasts predicting winds in the fire area could reach 70 mph on Wednesday.

More: Davis Fire: Fire area expected to spread north 3 to 7 miles on Wednesday

Find out about Tuesday's community meeting

Fire officials announced alarming news about the Davis fire: forecasts say it will spread up to 11 kilometers on Wednesday.

Fire officials said they will designate new evacuation areas on Wednesday morning.

The fire that started in Washoe Valley on Sept. 7 has burned nearly 5,700 acres of land. The fire is expected to spread much further on Wednesday, although it was already 31 percent contained as of Tuesday evening.

According to Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charlie Moore, winds are expected to increase, creating a rare and devastating weather system.

Click here to watch a recording of the community meeting.

Washoe County School District closes all schools Wednesday due to Davis fire

The Washoe County School District announced that all schools will be closed on Wednesday.

The district notified parents via voicemail, text message and email on Tuesday evening.

“Due to extensive discussions with public safety officials and in consideration of the erratic behavior of the Davis Fire and forecasted worsening conditions, all schools in the Washoe County School District will be closed on Wednesday, September 11,” the district said in a message to families.

“The decision to close school operations is not an easy one. However, we must ensure the safety of all of our students, families and staff while assisting our region's public safety personnel. The Davis fire is still not under control and is having a significant impact on our community.”

All WCSD schools were canceled Monday except for Gerlach K-12. Nine WCSD schools closest to the fire also canceled Tuesday.

NV Energy: 2,379 customers still without power after fire in Davis

According to NV Energy, an estimated 2,379 customers have been without power since Tuesday evening due to the Davis Fire.

The utility confirmed it had restored power to nearly 800 customers, including in Washoe City, Franktown and Toiyabe. However, NV Energy warned that the Davis Fire is still quite active and additional power outages may occur to prevent secondary ignitions and protect emergency responders, especially if weather conditions continue to favor the spread of the wildfire.

“We expect further emergency power outages for customers,” NV Energy said in a statement.

“This evening we notified approximately 4,200 customers to prepare for a possible power outage until the fire spreads.”

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