Massive and Sudden Wildfire Spreads Through Reno

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November 2011

Thousands of Reno residents have fled their homes as a massive and sudden wildfire spreads across the Sierra Nevada foothills. The fire, which has ravaged more than 400 acres, continues to burn out of control, destroying more than 20 homes, claiming at least one life and injuring several others.

According to the Reno Gazette Journal , more than 400 fire fighters are reported to be fighting the blaze, but high winds in excess of 60 miles per hour are hampering fire fighters' efforts and have grounded rescue helicopters.

The lack of readily available fire fighters is blamed on layoffs and fire station closures imposed by the Reno City Council. IAFF 9th District Vice President Randy Atkinson says fire stations closest to the fire are closed.

"Fire fighters who are on duty are making every effort to bring the fire under control, save citizens and their homes, but there are just too little resources available to fight this fire," he says. "Fire fighters are understaffed and overstressed."

The Reno Gazette Journal reports that Governor Brian Sandoval has reached out to California Governor Jerry Brown for additional fire fighting assistance.

State and county officials have declared a state of emergency as the fire shows no sign of easing. Click here to follow the Reno Gazette Journal blog for minute-by-minute updates.

Republished with permission of the International Association of Fire Fighters. View original article here.



Author:IAFF