A massive fire that burned nearly 6,000 acres in western Nevada forced a herd of horses to safer ground, and their excursion was captured on video. Video taken by Kristen Edgington showed the group of animals running along a roadway south of Reno with a plume of smoke from the Davis Fire in the distance.
"This is crazy," Edgington can be heard telling the driver of the car as dozens of horses trotted in the brush next to the roadway. "They’re going to go somewhere, right? Poor babies are probably in the fire," Edgington’s companion can be heard saying in the video.
The Davis Fire, which ignited on Sept. 8 near Davis Creek Regional Park, has burned nearly 6,000 acres and forced evacuations of thousands of residents. At least 14 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and the fire has caused power outages for thousands.
Firefighters Battling Blaze
Fire crews have made significant progress in containing the blaze, which is now 76% contained. More than 700 personnel have been assigned to the fire, and they have been working to build containment lines and extinguish hot spots.
Evacuation Updates
Evacuation orders for Galena Forests and Saint James Village have been lifted, but residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid evacuation zones. Crews are working to remove hazardous trees caused by the fire.
Impact of the Davis Fire
The Davis Fire has had a significant impact on the community, displacing thousands of residents and causing damage to homes and businesses. The fire has also created a health hazard for residents, as smoke from the blaze has blanketed the area.
Horses and the Fire
The video of the horses fleeing the fire has gone viral, highlighting the devastating impact of the blaze on wildlife. A local tourism group estimated there are 70,000 wild horses in the Reno-Tahoe area which have adapted to eating grasses and other vegetation. The Davis Fire is a stark reminder of the impact that wildfires can have on wildlife and the environment.
Fire Investigation and Cause
Investigators have not said who or what is believed to have started the blaze, but its origins have been traced to an area around a large regional park between Lake Tahoe and Reno. Authorities are asking anyone with credible information or who was in the vicinity of Davis Creek Regional Park on Sept. 8 to contact 775-326-6079 or email [email protected].
The Davis Fire is a reminder of the dangers of wildfires and the importance of being prepared for them. Residents are urged to have a plan in place in case of a wildfire and to be aware of the risks of wildfires.
A Community Comes Together
In the face of this natural disaster, the community of Reno has come together to support those affected by the fire. Local hotels and resorts have offered discounted rates to displaced residents, and community organizations have organized relief efforts. The Davis Fire has tested the resilience of the community, but it has also shown the power of human compassion.
A Look Ahead
The Davis Fire is a reminder of the impact that climate change is having on our world. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, we are likely to see more wildfires in the future. It is important to be prepared for these events and to work together to mitigate the risks they pose.
The fire continues to burn, but the community is working together to rebuild and recover. The resilience of the community and the support of neighbors will help Reno overcome this challenge.