Gold Ranch Fire in Verdi reaches full containment (2024)

The Reno Fire Department says the car fire that sparked the Gold Ranch wildfire, burning near Verdi, is now fully contained.

Fire crews will continue to remain in the area throughout the weekend due to the forecasted fire weather watch that has been issued.

Reno Fire says that ash stirred up from the fire by the winds can resemble smoke, that it is not necessary to report fires in the area as firefighters will already be patrolling and monitoring the areas of the fire closely.

Update, August 15,12:04 a.m.:

Reno Fire Department has reported that the Gold Ranch Fire is now 88% contained.

Crews are actively working to identify and extinguish remaining hot spots within the duff layer and root systems using the cold trailing method.

RFD management asks that folks remain clear of the area, as it is limited to essential access only.

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The Gold Ranch Fire is now 80% contained at 657 acres.

The lesser acreage was reported on Wednesday morning due to more accurate mapping.

Fire crews did not give an estimated date for full containment.

On Tuesday, evacuations were lifted in Verdi.

It is asking for the public to remain observant and avoid any unnecessary travel to the area.

Residents may return home but are urged to use caution as firefighting efforts are still underway and many trees in the area are unstable, making them dangerous.

Washoe County says non-residents will be turned away and are advised to not try and enter the area.

NV Energy says it finished restoring power to affected customers in Verdi. At one point more than 6,000 customers were affected.

Meanwhile, the driver of the car that caught on fire, Andrew Nick, was arrested and faces charges related to impaired driving. The car was a 2020 Alfa Romeo.

According to court documents, Nick told a Nevada state trooper that his car started to fill up with smoke as he was driving on I-80.

He said he pulled over and tried to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful.

When troopers arrived, they say Nick was standing about 30 feet away from the fire while his car and the hillside were fully engulfed in flames.

Troopers say Nick's speech was slurred while they were questioning him, and he showed signs of being intoxicated.

Nick has one past DUI charge from out of state.

The investigation remains ongoing, but Nick has been released from custody without bail, according to court records.

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Update, August 12, 8:25 p.m.:

The American Red Cross is operating an evacuation center at the Northwest Reno Library for those affected by the Gold Ranch Fire.

The library is located on Robb Drive.

More than 6,000 homes are without power and many residences remain under threat.

Red Cross staff and volunteers are providing safe shelter for those affected by the wildfire said the agency in a press release.

They are working withCatholic Charities of Northern Nevada and Slim Chickens, which are providing meals at the shelter.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the Gold Ranch Fire,” Tiandra Rushing, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “

We are committed to providing essential services and support to help our community through this challenging period.”

The shelter will accommodate small animals, managed by Washoe County Animal Services, so evacuees can bring their pets.

Evacuees with livestock should contactWashoe County Animal Services at (775) 322-3647.

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Update, August 12, 7 p.m.:

According to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, the Gold Ranch Fire is now eight percent contained and is 674 acres.

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Update, August 12, 4:30 p.m.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released federal money to allow the agency to help the state of Nevada battle the Gold Ranch Fire.

On Sunday the state asked for aFire Management Assistance Grant.

Eligible costs covered byFire Management Assistance Grants include expenses for field camps,equipment use, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

Update, August 12, 3:45 p.m.:

Nevada State Police have been investigating the cause of the fire.

The driver of the car that caught on fire, Andrew Nick, was arrested and faces charges related to impaired driving. The car was a 2020 Alfa Romeo.

The investigation is still open. If you have information that can help, call (775) 684-7513 or emailMFloyd@dps.state.nv.us

All eastbound I-80 travel lanes are currently open. Drivers are still being asked to slow down due to emergency crews in the area.

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Original story:

Fire crews are trying to contain a fire that broke out Sunday night on I-80 near Gold Ranch Casino.

The Reno Fire Department says the 650-acre Gold Ranch Fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. - 400 homes are threatened and the fire is 0% contained.

According to pictures and videos sent by a viewer, a car caught on fire on the east side of I-80 before spreading to nearby brush.

All classes at Verdi Elementary School are canceled for Monday, August 12.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, Gold Ranch Casino and a nearby trailer park were evacuated. One home was destroyed.

For updates on evacuations, click here.

There is an evacuation center open at the Northwest Library at 2325 Robb Drive.

The Red Cross is assisting those who evacuated. As of 10 p.m., eight people are being helped at the evacuation center.

Power has been shut off to over 6,000 people in the area.

We will update you as we learn more.