Little Valley, Carson City

Little Valley, north of Carson City. Multiple structures threatened. Evacuations and road closures in effect.

October 20, 2016 at 10:56 AM

Firefighters continue to secure the fire line, mop-up around structures, and grid the area for hots spots, to ensure no fire growth occurs and the existing footprint of the fire does not change. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter as a warming and drying trend begins and repair damage to roads that occurred from fire suppression activities.

A transfer of command is scheduled to occur on Friday morning October 21, 2016 from Martin’s Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team to a local Type 3 incident management organization.

All evacuations have been lifted and all roads are open.

A warming and drying trend is anticipated for the remainder of the week, with high temperatures reaching 5-10 degrees above average. Winds will be light through Friday with southwest breezes increasing Saturday and especially Sunday. Cooler weather and precipitation look to return the early part of next week

October 19, 2016 at 6:44 PM

Due to the hard work by firefighters and help from Mother Nature the Little Valley Fire is now 100% contained. Acres remain at 2291 and are not expected to change. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Firefighters will continue to reinforce the fire line perimeter, grid the area for hots spots, and continue to mop-up to ensure no fire growth occurs and the existing footprint of the fire does not change.

A transfer of command is scheduled to occur on Friday morning October 21, 2016 from Martin’s Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team to a local Type 3 incident management organization.

All roads are now open.

October 18, 2016 at 8:45 PM

Firefighters have made significant progress on the fire over the past few days, bringing containment to 90%. Crews continue to secure and monitor the fire line perimeter. Although there has not been any active fire behavior in the last 48 hours, firefighters continue to monitor for heat and smoldering. The public may see smokes within the interior with the warming trend forecasted over the next few days. Repairs are being made to damage that occurred during suppression activities including installing water bars and repairing cut fences.

Evacuations: The evacuation order was lifted today, allowing all residents to return to their property.

Road Closures: Franktown Road remains closed below 6190 Franktown Road. Only residents with valid identification are allowed to return to the area.

Franktown Road is expected to re-open tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday October 19, 2016.

October 18, 2016 at 9:01 AM

Planned Actions: Continued line construction and reinforcement of existing lines. Continue traffic control and structure protection. Also continue to secure structures along Franktown Road in anticipation of re-population.

Reduction in acreage due to more accurate mapping. The fire area has received 2.75 inches of rain over the last three days. Weather will clear and warm up later this week.

2 helicopters, 60 fire engines, 17 hand crews (20 firefighters each), and 50 overhead personnel. Kim Martin’s Type 1 Great Basin Incident Command Team is managing the fire. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation were reported on the first day of the incident.

Firefighters continue to mop-up around homes, address hazard trees and smoldering stumps and secure the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety remain to be the primary concern. Washoe County officials have a reentry plan and will allow displaced residents to return to the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Great Basin Incident Management Team personnel in coordination with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Washoe County and utility companies are working together diligently to restore services in the fire affected area in order for residents to return safely.

Damage: 22 residences and 17-outbuildings were destroyed with 480-homes saved in the direct vicinity of the fire. Multiple structures remain under threat until 100-percent containment has been achieved.

Access to addresses higher than 6190 Franktown Road are now open; access to addresses lower than 6190 Franktown Rd remain closed.) and Old U.S. Highway 395A (open but Washoe County Sheriff’s Office asks that citizens stay out of the area due to fire traffic, localized flooding and unstable ground). Interstate 580 is open in both directions.

Evacuations: displaced residents from their homes are being contacted directly by the Washoe County Sheriff’s office. Re-entry safety guidelines will require coordination with fire management officials, law enforcement and utility companies before the area can be re-populated safely.

The Evacuation Center at Depaoli Middle School has been deactivated as all evacuees have found other accommodations so the school has returned to normal operation. UNR Equestrian Center and Fuji Park are no longer needed to support this incident as all horses that were sheltered have been claimed by their owners.

American Red Cross: Case Managers are now available at 775-954-1194 to assist homeowners who suffered structural losses during the Little Valley Fire.

October 17, 2016 at 8:18 AM

2 air tankers, 2 helicopters, 60 fire engines, 10 hand crews (20 firefighters each), and 50 overhead personnel are assigned to the fire. Martin’s Type 1 Incident Command Team took over management of the incident at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 10/15. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation were reported on the first day of the incident.

Firefighters continue to mop-up around homes, address hazard trees and smoldering stumps and secure the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety remain to be the primary concern. Washoe County officials have a reentry plan and will allow displaced residents to return to the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Great Basin Incident Management Team personnel in coordination with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Washoe County and utility companies are working together diligently to restore services in the fire affected area in order for residents to return safely.

Damage: 22 residences and 17-outbuildings were destroyed with 480-homes saved in the direct vicinity of the fire. Multiple structures remain under threat until 100-percent containment has been achieved.

Access to addresses higher than 6190 Franktown Road are now open; access to addresses lower than 6190 Franktown Rd remain closed.) and Old U.S. Highway 395A (open but Washoe County Sheriff’s Office asks that citizens stay out of the area due to fire traffic, localized flooding and unstable ground). Interstate 580 is open in both directions.

Guidance for Property Owners Impacted by the Little Valley Fire

When Returning to Residences after Evacuations or Power Loss

If property is served by a residential domestic well:

1. Inspect the well head for damage. If well shows any sign of damage including being subjected to high heat contact a licensed well driller or plumber to evaluate the well prior to restarting the well.

2. Remove the well cap and inspect the seal.

a. If there is any damage to the seal, contact a licensed well driller or plumber to replace the seal prior to restarting the well.

b. If the well seal is free of damage, disinfect the seal, well head and cap and replace the seal and cap with a 10% household bleach solution. Flush water through the home fixtures until such time as there are no signs of bleach odor in the water.

3. Inspect any pressure or storage tanks for damage, if damage is present or possible, contact a licensed well driller or plumber to have the system evaluated and repaired.

If property is served by an engineered septic system or system requires electricity to pump wastes:

1. Evaluate all components of the residential septic system for possible damage, including but not limited to pump chambers and overflow alarm systems. If the system is unable to pump sewage to the treatment field contact a licensed plumber or engineer for system evaluation.

2. Ensure all electrical components of the system are functioning.

Perishable Foods:

1. If your property lost power for an extended period of time, (in excess of four hours) it is recommended you discard and dispose of all perishable foods which require refrigeration of any type.

a. It is recommended to aid in clean-up you allow your refrigerators and freezers to refreeze perishable foods prior to removing them for disposal.

b. Double bag all discarded foods to control odors

2. Thoroughly clean with water and soap all interiors of all refrigerators and freezers, then disinfect them with a 10% household bleach solution. If possible allow the bleach solution to air dry.

If you have any general questions regarding this guidance document, please contact the Environmental Health Services Division of the Washoe County Health District at 775-328-2436 or athealthehs@washoecounty.us for more assistance.

October 16, 2016 at 9:52 AM

Firefighter and Public Safety remain our primary concern. A flash flood watch is in effect over the fire area, we ask that citizens avoid the area due to potential flooding. Residents who will be allowed to visit homes will be contacted directly by Washoe County Sheriff’s office. Although the main fire threat has been reduced from the rain received over the fire, the public will continue to see smokes from the interior of the fire perimeter. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up around structures to ensure safe entry by returning residents and improve the fire line perimeter. Franktown Road remains closed.

60 engines and 10 handcrews are assigned to the fire. The moisture we received over the last 48 hours was very helpful for firefighting efforts and keeping the fire within the incident objective perimeter. The total acres remain at 3400. It is estimated that approximately 480 homes have been saved in the fire area.

October 16, 2016 at 9:23 AM

Washoe County Sheriff asks that people stay out of the area due to fire traffic, localized flooding and unstable ground.

Rain has greatly moderated fire behavior.

Acreage is holding at 3,400 acres with 20-percent containment. 22-residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed with 480-residences in the vicinity of the fire saved. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on 10/14/2016, having started in the Little Valley/ Washoe Valley area. Line construction and mop-up continue. Fuels include mixed timber, sagebrush and grass. Some rain fell on the fire on 10/14-15 moderating fire behavior.

Kim Martin’s Type 1 Incident Command Team is now managing the incident.

Multiple structures are still threatened until 100% containment has been achieved. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Franktown Road below the address of 6190 Franktown Road.

October 15, 2016 at 6:14 PM

The moisture we received over the last 48 hours was very helpful for firefighting efforts and keeping the fire within the incident objective perimeter. The total acres remain at 3460. It is estimated that approximately 480 homes have been saved in the fire area.

The Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team will transition the fire at 6 p.m. to Kim Martin’s Type I Great Basin Incident Management Team. The teams will work together to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to manage the fire. Firefighter and Public Safety remain our primary concern. We ask the public to please avoid the area as Franktown Road remains closed.

Evacuations: Multiple structures are threatened. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Franktown Road below the address of 6190 Franktown Road.

The Evacuation Center at Depoali Middle School (people and small animals) has been closed but remains equipped, and the UNR Equestrian Center (large animals) and Fuji Park in Carson City (large animals) remain open.

Road Closures: Old US 395A is now open; however Franktown Road remains closed below 6190 Franktown Road. The open area has expanded to the address of 6190 Franktown Road and above.

October 15, 2016 at 2:43 PM

Per Sierra Front Dispatch: Addresses higher than 6190 Franktown Rd are now open; access to addresses lower than 6190 Franktown Rd remain closed.

October 15, 2016 at 9:54 AM

After flying the fire last night, total acres have been updated to 3,460. Fire activity remained fairly stable through the night with no major movement. The objectives for the Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team today are to keep the fire north of Bellevue Road, south of Slide Mountain/Joy Lake Road, west of Eastlake and New Washoe City and east of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Firefighter and Public Safety remain our primary concern. We ask the public to please avoid the area as Franktown Road remains closed. Although the precipitation we saw yesterday helped slow fire spread, we expect a large wind event later this afternoon which may result in extreme fire behavior.

Evacuations: Multiple structures are threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in place for Franktown Road and voluntary evacuations are in place for west Washoe Valley.

Evacuation Centers remain open at Depoali Middle School (people and small animals), UNR Equestrian Center (large animals), Fuji Park in Carson City (large animals).

A Type 1 Team has been ordered in addition to the Type 3 Team and is expected to transition within the next 24-48 hours.

Road Closures: Old US 395A is now open; however Franktown Road remains closed.

October 14, 2016 at 7:45 PM

Four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.

The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team now reports that 22-residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed.  500-structures are still under threat.

October 14, 2016 at 6:37 PM

Correction: Due to unsafe conditions, residents who live in Washoe Valley and Franktown Rd., aren’t allowed to return to their property to inspect damage.

October 14, 2016 at 6:22 PM

The fire is burning west of Franktown Road, moving north toward Bowers Mansion and Joy Lake Road. The Unified Command transitioned to the Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team at 5p.m. “Firefighter and Public Safety are our primary concern, please avoid the area and watch for fire apparatus in the fire area,” said Incident Commander Stacy Saucedo. A Type 1 Team has been ordered in addition to the Type 3 Team and is expected to arrive Saturday October 15, 2016.

Evacuation Centers have been set up at  Depoali Middle School (people and small animals), Hidden Valley Regional Park, Rancho San Rafael and UNR Equestrian Center (large animals), Fuji Park in Carson City (large animals)

Evacuations:  Multiple structures are threatened and recommended evacuations are in place for west Washoe Valley and Franktown Road.

Road Closures:  Old US 395A from the overpass on I-580 and old 395 to Carson City/Washoe County line.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

October 14, 2016 at 6:13 PM

Sierra Front is taking over command of the Little Valley Fire and messaging.

The Little Valley Fire has burned 23 homes, seven outbuildings, and seven barns.

Residents of Franktown Rd. and west Washoe Valley are asked to call 775-328-2003 as soon as possible. Washoe County is compiling a list of residents whose homes have potentially been affected by the fire. The phone line gives residents an opportunity to get and receive information.

“We are diligently working to make sure residents who call into the line are able to get the help they need in a timely manner,” said Washoe County Commission Vice Chair Bob Lucey (Dist. 2). “Our thoughts are with the community at this time. Rest assured, we are doing all we can to meet the needs of those affected by this fire.”

Please encourage family, friends and colleagues who live in the above area to call 775-328-2003. Please note that we will continue to man the general citizen fire information hotline, 775-337-5800.

Residents who live in Washoe Valley and Franktown Rd., may return to their property to inspect damage as long as they show their I.D. to law enforcement.

October 14, 2016 at 6:01 PM

Little Valley Fire Incident Command Transferred to Stacy Saucedo.

October 14, 2016 at 5:35 PM

Residents in Franktown Rd and W Washoe Valley may return to inspect damage as long as they show ID to law enforcement.

October 14, 2016 at 5:31 PM

Residents from Franktown Road and W Washoe Valley are urgently asked to call 775.328.2003 to get and receive information.

October 14, 2016 at 2:48 PM

Everyone who lives on the east side of Washoe Lake or the east side of I-580 can return home.

Evacuations for residents of the Galena, Montreaux, Joy Lake RD., and St. James neighborhood can return home but need to be prepared to evacuate throughout the weekend if need be.

The west side of Washoe Lake from Bowers exit to the bottom of Franktown Rd. remains evacuated.

Power is off through Saturday in the old 395 area to prevent arcing power lines in case the wind picks up.

If you evacuated your pets, please have them stay at the evacuation centers through the weekend.

Due to the fire, Waste Management will not be picking up garbage Friday. Anything left on the curb will be collected next Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.

October 14, 2016 at 1:53 PM

Current acreage is estimated at 2,000 acres.  No containment has yet been reported.  Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District reports that 19-structures, 7-outbuildings and 7-large barns have been destroyed.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on 10/14/2016, having started in the Little Valley/ Washoe Valley area.  The fire is burning in the vicinity of Franktown Road., moving north toward Bowers Mansion and Joy Lake Road.

Multiple agencies have responded and are engaged in firefighting and structure protection tactics.

NDF, USFS and TMFD are in unified command.  Incident Commander is Alex Kuklus of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. The Sierra Front Type 3 Team has been mobilized and will assume command later today, with Martin’s Type 1 Incident Command Team on order for Saturday, 10/15.

October 14, 2016 at 12:29 PM

Firefighters are estimating that 18 homes, seven outbuildings, and seven barns have been burned by the Little Valley Fire. The fire has now burned approximately 2,000 acres. More than 300 firefighters are fighting the blaze at this hour. Nearly 200 engines have been requested and are on their way to the burn area.

South Valleys Library is closed until further notice due to fire.

October 14, 2016 at 11:50 AM

Firefighters are estimating 18 structures have burned from the #LittleValleyFire.

NV 431 (Mt. Rose Highway): all WB lanes and all lanes but one heading EB are back open.

October 14, 2016 at 11:01 AM

Assistant County Manager Kevin Schiller declared a State of Emergency on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners following two brushfires.

“Declaring a State of Emergency allows us to increase capacity and resources to manage the fires,” said Schiller. “We thank our emergency responders who are working hard to protect citizens. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these fires.”

Firefighters confirm structures have been damaged by the Little Valley Fire. The extent of damage and the number of structures impacted is not known at this time.

“There is zero containment on the Little Valley Fire. All of Washoe Valley is still considered to be at risk. Spot fires are a continual threat due to high winds in the area,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Charles Moore.

There is unified command with TMFPD, Nevada Division Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service. Moore said 125 engines have been ordered and are on their way in. Air support is ready as soon as conditions allow. Until then, there is a very aggressive hand crew attacking the blaze.

October 14, 2016 at 10:59 AM

Timelapse of the University of Reno Seismo Lab’s McClellan Peak fire camera. It turns toward the Little Valley Fire at 4:36 AM

October 14, 2016 at 10:37 AM

The Redfield Campus, a shared campus of the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, has been closed due to the Little Valley Fire in Washoe Valley and other fires burning in the area. Classes at the Redfield Campus have been canceled; the University’s main campus is open and operating as normal. The Redfield Campus is located on the Mt. Rose Highway, at 18600 Wedge Parkway, in south Reno.

The University is making the Equestrian Center available for evacuation of livestock from Washoe Valley due to the fire. The Equestrian Center is located at 1290 Valley Rd. Call 775-784-6237 for information.

October 14, 2016 at 9:55 AM

I-580 North and Southbound lanes through the valley have been reopened.

October 14, 2016 at 9:52 AM

100% containment on the 15-acre Rolling Hills Fire expected within an hour.

October 14, 2016 at 9:51 AM

Per Truckee Meadows Fire: Evacuations have been lifted for following areas: Telluride Dr, Solitude, Thomas Creek Rd, Deer Valley Ct, Wedge Pkwy & Boulder Patch

October 14, 2016 at 9:45 AM

Washoe County parks closed due to fires: Galena Creek Regional, Bowers Regional, Davis Creek, Galena and Bartley

October 14, 2016 at 9:42 AM

The fire is burning west of Franktown Rd., moving north toward Bowers Mansion and Joy Lake Rd. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is working with several other agencies to fight the blaze.

Washoe County Regional Animal Services has setup an evacuation center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park for all residents with livestock that can be transported in trailers. All livestock evacuated by Washoe County can go to Hidden Valley Park Arena. Fuji Park in Carson City is also available. All small animals go to Depoali Middle School.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Updated school closures: Pleasant Valley Elementary, Galena High School, Hunsberger Elementary, Huffaker Elementary, Picollo, and Lenz Elementary

Road closures: Southbound I-580 is closed at Eastlake Blvd., 395A and SR 431, westbound at Mt. Rose Hwy.

The Command Post for the Little Valley Fire is at Washoe Valley Volunteer Fire Station at Bellevue and I-580.

Rolling Hills Fire

The Rolling Hills Fire sparked just at approximately 7:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2016 near Mt. Rose Hwy., and Edmonton Dr., north of Galena High School.

Evacuations for that area have been lifted for the following roads an streets: Telluride Dr., Solitude Dr., Sundance Dr., Thomas Creek Rd, Deer Valley Ct., Wedge Pkwy., and Boulder Patch Dr.

The Rolling Hills Fire is 50 percent contained and holding at 15 acres.

October 14, 2016 at 9:00 AM

Multiple agencies have responded and are engaged in firefighting and structure protection tactics.

NDF, USFS and TMFD are in unified command.  The Sierra Front Type 3 Team has been mobilized and will assume command today, with a Type 1 team on order for later today.

Current acreage is estimated at 1000 acres.

Fire is burning in timber, sage and grass.  Fire is being pushed eastward by high winds creating erratic fire behavior.

Hwy I-580 is closed to Old Washoe.  Hwy 89 is closed near Mt. Rose.   Multiple areas have experienced power outages.

Evacuations for Washoe Valley are mandatory.

October 14, 2016 at 8:47 AM

CalOES sending a 25 engine strike team to assist on #LittleValleyFire.

October 14, 2016 at 8:37 AM

Carson City opening an evacuation center at Fuji Park for people and livestock

October 14, 2016 at 8:22 AM

The fire is moving north towards Joylake Road.

Regional Animal services working on other locations to house livestock for #littlevalleyfire

Highway 580 through Washoe Valley and Eastland Blvd closed.

Evacuations for #littlevalleyfire at Depoali Middle School

Pleasant Valley Elementary, Galena High School and Hunsberger Elementary closed today.