Authorities in Nevada are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel on Interstate 80 near the Nevada-California border due to an ongoing wildfire.
The fire, initially sparked by a vehicle fire in Verdi on Sunday, has since been named the Gold Ranch Fire. It has spread rapidly, covering hundreds of acres, and is being battled by over 200 personnel from various agencies.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire is only 8 percent contained, and the presence of onlookers has made it challenging for first responders to manage the situation effectively.
On Monday evening, Nevada State Police reiterated the importance of staying away from the area unless absolutely necessary. They shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Please avoid unnecessary travel in the Gold Ranch I80 area as First Responders continue to work. If you must travel, please slow down, use caution and stay safe.”
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Meanwhile, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue has confirmed that the fire is currently mapped at 674 acres, with evacuations still in place. They expressed gratitude for all the support from local fire and law enforcement teams.
Interstate 80 was temporarily closed for several hours following the fire’s onset; however, it has since reopened. Many residents faced power outages as NV Energy enacted an emergency shutdown plan to reduce fire risks, though power has been restored to around 4,500 customers, with only 1,800 still awaiting service.
NV Energy updated their customers via X, stating, “Thanks to our first responders’ hard work, we restored power to many customers. We’re monitoring conditions and will restore power when it’s safe. Thank you for your patience. Check our website for more info.”
Please avoid unnecessary travel in the Gold Ranch I80 area as First Responders continue to work. If you must travel, please slow down, use caution and stay safe. https://t.co/nhMWIm7DPu
— Nevada State Police (@NVStatePolice) August 13, 2024
NV Energy also noted that those still without power should prepare for delays in restoration, as they prioritize safety during high fire risk periods. Weather conditions complicate firefighting efforts, but the National Weather Service has lifted the red flag warning for much of Nevada as of Tuesday morning.