Wildfire now burning homes south of Reno ... in January

[Newsjock]

http://www.rgj.com/article/20120119/NEWS06/120119022/Washoe-Drive-Fire-prompts-Washoe-County-issue-state-emergency?odyssey=mod|breaking|text|FRONTPAGE

Washoe County has announced via Twitter that they have declared a state of emergency because of the Washoe Drive Fire.

Washoe County issued this statement:

Reno, Nevada. January 19, 2012. Washoe County Manager Katy Simon has declared an official emergency for Washoe County as a wildfire burns in the northern Washoe Valley area.

At approximately 1pm on Thursday, January 19, a swift moving brush fire, fueled by heavy fuels and high winds, began burning in North Washoe Valley, prompting evacuation requests in the old Washoe City area, Pleasant Valley, and Saint James Village areas.

At 3pm, in response to the severity of the fire, County Manager Katy Simon declared a state of emergency for Washoe County. The declaration allows the County to apply for reimbursement for costs related to the fire and request additional resources as appropriate.


Live video from KOLO-TV: http://ww2.kolotv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=l&d1=0&ClipId1=mms%3A//a1345.l1185333344.c11853.n.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1345/11853/v0001/reflector%3A33344&LiveURI=mms%3A//a1345.l1185333344.c11853.n.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1345/11853/v0001/reflector%3A33344&h1=Live%20Video%20Stream&at1=Sales%20-%20Valentines&LiveURITitle=Live%20Video%20Stream&LaunchPageAdTag=Sales%20-%20Valentines&fvCatNo=undefined&secure=undefined&akPort=undefined&akProfile=undefined&rnd=31946420

[Newsjock]

1. Fire now spreading into the southern end of Reno; US 395 closed

5 p.m. update: The press conference called by Washoe County officials at Galena High School has been moved because the high school is being evacuated.

[Ecumenist]

2. It's been dry as hell here in the Sacramento Valley and we're west of Reno

I hope that the rain that JUST started will put the fire out.

[RevStPatrick]

3. My cousin in Reno just posted...

...some pictures on Facebook that she took out her office window.
Doesn't look good...

[niyad]

4. just viewing some of the videos--such destruction.

prayers for all in harm's way there.