Nevada wildfires force evacuations, destroy homes

Hannah Hoobyar and her family lost their home to a severe wildfire in Nevada, with experts warning it could worsen. As they fled their northern Nevada residence, they dodged large chunks of ash, taking only their loved ones, pets, and minimal belongings.

Officials have cautioned that the Davis Fire in Nevada poses a “particularly dangerous situation,” while several wildfires across the West have prompted evacuations and destroyed homes. Currently, 67 wildfires are active across the US, with California having nine and Nevada two, as per the National Interagency Fire Center.

In Southern California, a sheriff’s helicopter rescued three people, including an off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant, trapped near Mount Baldy. They had attempted to save a cabin before becoming stuck. Despite losing the cabin, the crew’s skill and a brief smoke break ensured a successful rescue.

A red flag warning issued for the Sierra Front, Western Nevada, and Eastern Sierra will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. They warned of rapid fire growth due to gusty winds and dry conditions.

The Davis Fire, burning over 5,800 acres in Washoe County, is expected to “move significantly” on Wednesday. Officials urged prompt evacuation if notified, emphasizing the importance of preparedness regardless of fire model predictions.

Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency earlier in the week. Hoobyar noticed a large smoke plume on Saturday and quickly alerted her family to evacuate. They left with minimal belongings, later confirming their home’s destruction via social media.

Returning home on Tuesday, the Hoobyar family found only rubble and ash. Despite losing everything, they have received community support, with a GoFundMe raising over $39,000 by Wednesday night.

In Southern California, multiple wildfires, including the Bridge, Line, and Airport fires, have led to evacuations and strained local resources. Climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain called the scale and intensity of these fires “remarkable,” noting the Bridge Fire spread rapidly across the San Gabriel Mountains in a single day.

Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties issued evacuation orders as the Bridge Fire burned over 48,000 acres, destroying nearly 40 structures. Firefighters face challenging conditions, with steep terrain and poor visibility due to smoke.

Fire Chief Anthony Marrone highlighted the ongoing threat of large fire growth, emphasizing weather and topography’s impact. John Miller of the US Forest Service described the Bridge Fire as an “inferno,” crediting the efforts of numerous agencies for preventing more home losses.

The Airport Fire prompted evacuation orders in Orange and Riverside counties. California secured a FEMA grant for fire suppression, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. The California National Guard is deploying resources, including helicopters and soldiers.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was arrested on arson charges related to the Line Fire, which has burned over 34,000 acres in San Bernardino County. He faces three arson charges and is held on $80,000 bond.

CalFire advised residents to stay indoors and wear masks outside due to smoke affecting air quality.

A family of seven lost their home of over 30 years to the Airport Fire. Stacy Correia expressed relief that everyone survived but lamented the loss of their home and memories. Her daughter, Justice Caruso, and her family had less than 10 minutes to evacuate. They are now trying to cope with the loss of all their possessions, finding solace in their safety.