Woodchuck Fire Update

Media Release                                                                                                    Contact: Amy Ventetuolo

For Immediate Release                                                                                     Aventetuolo@washoecounty.us  

www.washoecounty.us                                                                                    775.328.2070

**TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS**

 ***UPDATE - 9/19/207 8:45am***

Fire is 40% Contained and roads in the area are open without restriction.  Residents can expect to see smoke as crews mop up the fire in the Hunter Creek drainage.  Fire crews will continue working around the Mountain Gate area as well.

Media Update: TMFPD provides Woodchuck Fire Update

Woodchuck Fire now 25 percent contained

Reno, Nev. Sept. 18, 2017. Forward progress on the #WoodchuckFire stopped at approximately 5:30 p.m. and crews will remain on the scene and will be actively engaged in mopping up the fire tomorrow. The fire burned approximately 60 acres south and south east of Woodchuck Circle. The Woodchuck Fire started very close to a fire that burned near the Hunter Creek Trail earlier this summer.

The public should be advised:

Structures. At the fire’s peak, at least 100 structures were threatened, and the fire burned multiple backyards. No residential structures were lost and no damage to residential structures occurred. Two small tow-behind trailers at the fire’s origin were lost. There were no injuries to people or to any animals. Washoe County Regional Animal Services evacuated nine horses and a handful of small animals.

Point of origin. The point of origin of the fire was on a construction site at the top of Woodchuck Circle. The cause of the fire is still unknown and fire is currently under investigation.

Evacuations lifted. Evacuations are scheduled to be lifted at 8 p.m. this evening. Roads that will remain closed tonight include Plateau Rd. from Mayberry Dr. to Woodchuck Circle.

“Fighting this fire was truly a team effort,” remarks TMFPD Chief Charles Moore. “Without the help of our many regional partners, this outcome could have been different. We are grateful for the quick response of our crews and the partnership of the media.”

VIDEO OF WOODCHUCK FIRE WATER DROP