Rosen to Biden: Be ready to approve additional aid to help contain Davis Fire

High winds and dry conditions have been a factor in fueling the worsening fire. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

As officials rush to contain a fast-spreading wildfire that began just south of Reno over the weekend, Nevada US Sen. Jacky Rosen is calling on President Joe Biden to standby ready to approve requests for federal aid that could help extinguish the blaze and speed up recovery efforts. 

The Davis Fire has grown to roughly 5,596 acres and is 0% contained since it reportedly began at the Davis Creek Regional Park in Washoe Valley on Saturday, state officials said Tuesday. Approximately 14 buildings have been destroyed, and electricity utility NV Energy reported that roughly 17,000 customers had been without power at some point throughout the weekend, though about 3,100 customers remained without power as of Tuesday afternoon. 

“Over the weekend, an aggressive wildfire broke out in Northern Nevada, beginning at Davis Creek Regional Park and spreading through Washoe Valley and part of the south Reno area,” Rosen, a Democrat, wrote to Biden. “As this fire continues to threaten lives, homes, businesses, and livelihoods, I ask that you and your Administration stand ready to provide any federal resources necessary to fight this fire, help communities recover, and allow for this area to build back stronger”

The letter, dated Tuesday, comes two days after Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency, in which he said more than 20,000 people had been forced to evacuate. Officials are scheduled to hold a press conference later Tuesday providing additional updates. 

High winds and dry conditions have also been a factor. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. Wednesday. 

More than 600 firefighting personnel are on scene to fight the blaze, according to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. Old US Highway 395 remains closed from East Lake Boulevard to Bowers Mansion Interchange. US Route 431 is also closed, officials said. 

For updated information, as well as additional guidance for available resources, check with the Nevada Department of Emergency Management for more. 

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