I-580 and Eastlake reopen as Little Valley Fire burns 2,000 acres; 19 homes burn

UPDATE 1:00PM 10/15/16: The Little Valley Fire in Washoe Valley has now burned 3,460 acres with 5 percent containment. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.

The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team reports that 22 residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed. 500 structures are still under threat.

Interstate 580 is open in both directions, as is old U.S. Highway 395. Franktown Road, the area where most of the home damage is, remains closed.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. This fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. on Friday, October 14, having started in the Little Valley/ Washoe Valley area.

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UPDATE 6:22PM: The Little Valley Fire has burned more than 2,000 acres and 19 homes. The fire is burning west of Franktown Road, moving north toward Bowers Mansion and Joy Lake Road. The Unified Command transitioned to the Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team at 5 p.m.

“Firefighter and public safety are our primary concern, please avoid the area and watch for fire apparatus in the fire area,” said Incident Commander Stacy Saucedo. A Type 1 Team has been ordered in addition to the Type 3 Team and is expected to arrive Saturday.

Road Closure: Old US 395A from the overpass on I-580 and old 395 to Carson City/Washoe County line. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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UPDATE 1:10PM: South Tahoe Now has an update to the fire in the Washoe Valley known as the Little Valley Fire after a press conference was held by fire officials in Carson City.

19 homes have been lost, as well as 6 barns and 7 outbuildings.

It started in the area of a prescribed burn in the Whittell Forest area, and high winds fanned the embers, causing a major fire. The cause is under investigation. At 1:00 a.m., at the Little Valley weather station, there were gusts of wind clocked at 80 mph.

The initial fire has created several spot fires including the West Washoe Valley and Franktown Road area, which is where most of the homes were lost.

Several strike teams from California and throughout Nevada are responding. More than 300 firefighters are fighting the blaze at this hour. Nearly 200 engines have been requested and are on their way to the burn area.

A State of Emergency has been declared to get resources to the fire and victims quickly. Emergency shelters for humans and animals have been set up.

UPDATE 9:55AM: The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) reports Interstate 580 and Eastlake Blvd. through Washoe Valley are now open in both directions. Old Highway 395 alternate is currently open to local resident traffic only.

TMFPD reports 100 percent containment of the Rolling Hills Fire near Galena within the hour. The Rolling Hills Fire was a second fire that started while crews were battling the Little Valley Fire earlier this morning.

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Both old and new Highway 395 routes from Carson City to Reno are closed due a fire burning in Little Valley.

Officials say the only way to travel between Reno and Carson City is by going through Virginia City.

Evacuations are underway for people living on Franktown Road and living in east Washoe Valley according to KOLO-TV. Officials with Truckee Meadows Fire say anyone living in the area should get ready to evacuate.

An evacuation center has been set up at Depoali Middle School for evacuees and small animals. That's located at 9300 Wilbur May Parkway in Reno.

Officials say anyone with large animals should head to the Livestock Events Center, located on 1350 N. Wells Avenue.

Pleasant Valley Elementary is closed today due to the fire, as well as Hunsburger Elementary and Galena High School.

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection and the Reno Fire Department are working the fire.

Stay with KOLO 8 News Now on this developing story.