Little Valley Fire

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Little Valley Fire
A progression map of the fire on October 17
Date(s)
  • October 4 (4-10) -
  • October 7, 2016 (2016-10-07)
  • (prescribed burn)
  • October 14 (14-10) -
  • October 19, 2016 (2016-10-19)
  • (5 days)
  • (Wildfire)
LocationWashoe Valley, Washoe County, Nevada, US
Coordinates39°15′9″N 119°52′36″W / 39.25250°N 119.87667°W / 39.25250; -119.87667
Statistics
Burned area2,291 acres (927 ha; 9.27 km2)
Impacts
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries4 firefighters (smoke inhalation)
Structures destroyed23 residential, 17 outbuildings
Damage$4 million (suppression), $25 million (settlements)
Ignition
CauseEscaped prescribed burn

The Little Valley Fire was a fast-moving wildfire that burned in Washoe Valley, Nevada, United States, in October 2016. The fire began as the Little Valley prescribed burn, but strong winds carried embers out of the burn area and ignited the fire on October 14. The fire burned 2,291 acres (927 ha; 9.27 km2), destroyed 23 residential structures and 17 outbuildings, and cost $29 million total.

After the prescribed burn operations ended on October 7, smaller burn operations occurred until October 13, and were extinguished immediately. Smoke was reported in the fire's area on October 14, but it was dismissed. The Little Valley Fire rapidly spread, scorching 750 acres (300 ha; 3.0 km2) and eighteen homes. Rain assisted suppression efforts on October 15, and while size jumped to 3,460 acres (1,400 ha; 14.0 km2), containment[a] increased to 20%. Strong winds remained a problem, and 500 structures remained threatened until full containment on October 19.

Fire suppression efforts cost $4 million. A lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Forestry cost the state $25 million, though plaintiffs sought for $325 million. Flash flooding and mud slides remained a concern in the burn scar, due to precipitation the Little Valley Fire received.

Background

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Strong winds originally caused the prescribed burn to escape the fire perimeter after embers were blown out.[2] Around midnight October 14, shortly before the fire started, a wind gust was reported at 87 miles per hour (140 km/h). Shortly after the fire started, sustained winds blew 16–18 miles per hour (26–29 km/h), with gusts up to 55 miles per hour (89 km/h).[3] The area was suffering from long-term drought.[4]

At times, the humidity level was very narrow in terms of relative humidity, and sometimes exceeded prescription parameters. Heat was present in Unit 1 the day the wildfire ignited, particularly in tree stumps. Dry duff beds, decaying plant materials found in the forest, were present in the fire area, and it was receptive to ignition sources.[5]

The prescribed burn was understaffed, even though there were warnings of windy and unstable weather. Staffing decreased over the last two days of the prescribed burn.[4]

Cause

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The Nevada Division of Forestry conducted a prescribed burn from to October 4 – 7, 2016. Firefighters mopped up each unit after completion, continuing until October . Around 1:38 a.m. on October 14, strong winds carried hot embers out of the prescribed burn area into dry brush and vegetation, effectively reigniting the prescribed burn.[6][5][2]

Progression

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Prescribed burn (October 4–13)

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A prescribed burn conducted by the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), known as the Little Valley Prescribed Burn and mop-up operation, occurred from October 4 to October 7, with the last mop-up operations on October 13. It took place on land belonging to University of Nevada, Reno, in Whittell Forest and Wildlife Area.[7]

Firing operations commenced after 11 am on October 4, with 30 acres (12 ha) completed. A small slopover occurred, where the fire spread outside the boundaries of the control line, but it was rapidly extinguished. The fire was out of prescription[b] on October 5, and negative smoke impacts were seen in Incline Village. The prescribed burn was out of prescription again the next day, but operations still continued. The burn boss received several more calls regarding air quality concerns from the Washoe County Air Quality Management District (AQMD), but lighting operations had already begun and continued for firefighter safety. Strong winds that day prompted an amendment to the controlled burn. Two separate hour long periods on October 7 were outside of the prescription. Ultimately, the NDF ended burning operations at 11 am that day.[5]

More test fires occurred later on October 7, with smoke and fire conditions being monitored. After each unit was completed, mop-up occurred, going on until October 13.[5]

Wildfire (October 14–20)

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October 14

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The first 911 call for smoke near the prescribed burn area came at 1:23 am on October 14, but the crew that arrived on scene dismissed it and returned to the station minutes later. However, the next smoke call took over an hour for firefighters to reach the vicinity.[9]

Around 1:30 am on October 14[2] in Washoe Valley, strong winds blew embers out of the prescribed burn area. In response, Interstate 580, Eastlake Boulevard, and Mount Rose Highway were closed. By 6:45 am, the size of the fire increased to 100 acres (40 ha). Approximately 45 minutes later, the fire expanded to 745 acres (301 ha). Evacuations were recommended for areas of Washoe Valley, and an evacuation center was established at Depoali Middle School. A large animal shelter was created at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Classes were cancelled at Pleasant Valley Elementary, Hunsberger Elementary, Huffaker Elementary, Lenz Elementary, Marvin Picollo School, and Galena High School.[10][11]

By 9:55 am, Old U.S. 395 reopened to residential traffic only, and about 300 firefighters and strike teams from both Nevada and California were responding to the fire.[12] Fifty minutes later, Governor Brian Sandoval declared a state of emergency.[11] The fire was burning west of Franktown Road, spreading north towards Bowers Mansion. Up to eighteen homes had burned by 12 pm, but all but one westbound lane on Mount Rose Highway had reopened.[13]

By 2:45 pm that same day, residents who had evacuated from areas east of Interstate 580 near Washoe Lake were allowed to return home. Residents in Montreux, Galena, and the St. James Road area were also permitted to return, but were told to remain cautious.[11] That evening, a Type 3 incident team took over responsibility for the fire, and a Type 1 team was ordered. The fire increased in size to over 2,000 acres (810 ha),[12] threatening 500 structures. Twenty-two homes and seventeen outbuildings were reported destroyed. Four injuries from smoke inhalation were also reported.[10]

October 15

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The next morning, the fire had grown to 3,460 acres (1,400 ha), according to flight crew mapping, and containment had reached 5%. Some 855 personnel were combating the fire now, with the help of seven air tankers.[10] Crews focused on keeping the fire south of Slide Mountain and Joy Lake Road, west of New Washoe City, north of Bellevue Road, and east of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Some precipitation the previous day helped minimize growth, and a mandatory evacuation remained in place for Franktown, with a voluntary evacuation in effect for West Washoe Valley. Several structures were still threatened.[14] The evacuation center at Depoali Middle School closed at 8 am, but all evacuees found separate places to go. A Red Cross hotline was established.[10] More rain that day aided suppression efforts and led to moderate fire activity, but strong winds were still a problem.[15]

Moisture since the fire's ignition had helped with firefighting efforts, allowing crews to achieve 20% containment. It was confirmed that 480 structures were saved during firefighting efforts, but 500 others remained threatened.[16]

October 16

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Several other evacuations were lifted that day, but residents were told to be ready to evacuate again the next day.[17] A flash flood watch from excessive precipitation was issued.[11] Now some 855 personnel were combating the fire after the addition of seven air tankers and 155 engines.[18] That evening, the number of personnel had decreased to 667, and containment increased to 55%.[11] Despite rain, there were still several hot spots in the fire perimeter, and while the main hazard had been addressed, the smoke was still visible. Firefighters focused on extinguishing hot spots near structures, addressing hazard trees and smoldering stumps, and securing the perimeter.[10]

October 17–19

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The number of personnel lowered to 600 on October 17, and containment jumped to 90%. More accurate mapping placed the fire at 2,291 acres (927 ha). Moisture since the fire's ignition significantly helped suppression efforts, including 2.75 inches (70 mm) of rain. Despite this, many structures would remain threatened until full containment was achieved. A high-pressure area was moving into the area, with a warming trend forecasting temperatures above 70 °F (21 °C) later that week. Residents whose homes were uninhabitable were brought into the restricted area, and others on Franktown Road were permitted to return to their homes the next day with identification. Thus, all evacuation centers were deactivated.[11] Homeowners in the affected area were permitted to view their property's damage that day.[19]

All evacuees were permitted back home on October 18, and containment and personnel remained at 90% and 600, respectively. The fire stayed within its footprint. It was confirmed suppression efforts cost $4 million USD.[20]

The Little Valley Fire reached 100% containment on October 19, after burning 2,291 acres (927 ha). The burned area emergency response (BAER) team began assessment of the burn scar that day, and management transitioned from a local Type 3 team to the Nevada Division of Forestry.[11]

Effects

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Damage

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The Little Valley Fire destroyed twenty-three homes and seventeen outbuildings, with one resident saying, "It looked like an atom bomb went off. All you see are black sticks coming out of the air." Many victims of the fire moved out of Nevada.[21] In total, up to 500 structures were threatened and remained threatened until the fire reached 100% containment on October 19.[11] Four firefighters were injured from smoke inhalation, though they were not serious.[22] A state of emergency was declared by Governor Brian Sandoval.[11]

Up to 10,000 residents experienced power outages due to the fire.[22]

On October 18, it was concluded suppression efforts on the fire cost $4 million.[11] A lawsuit against the State of Nevada cost $25 million, including $18 million to the clients and $7 million to the insurers.[23]

Closures and evacuations

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Evacuations affected residents in New Washoe City, Franktown, Washoe Valley, the Washoe Lake area, Montreaux, and St. James Road, and evacuations remained until October 17 for parts of Franktown Road.[11][10] Many evacuees took pets, so Washoe County Regional Animal Services placed animals at several different locations. In total, 101 horses, seventeen smaller house pets, and one parrot were evacuated.[24]

Several roads were closed in the burn area, including Mount Rose Highway, Franktown Road, Interstate 580, Old U.S. 395, and Eastlake Boulevard.[10]

Classes were cancelled at Pleasant Valley Elementary, Hunsberger Elementary, Huffaker Elementary, Lenz Elementary, Marvin Picollo School, and Galena High School on October 14.[10] South Valleys Library was closed on October 14, as well.[11]

Environmental impacts

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During the Little Valley Prescribed Burn, the burn master was asked to stop the prescribed burn due to negative smoke impacts, particularly in Incline Village.[5] Hundreds of trees were destroyed on properties.[21] Even after the fire's containment on October 19, flash flooding remained a concern in the burn scar. While heavy rain helped extinguish the fire, it prompted debris slides and mudslides. The BAER team had to use strategies to keep the investigation successful.[25] The fire also threatened several equestrian facilities.[26]

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In August 2018, a jury found the Nevada Department of Forestry (NDF) guilty of gross negligence and liable for the damage caused by the Little Valley Fire. The court determined that the prescribed burn had ignited the fire. Homeowners maintained that the NDF "failed to exercise a slight degree of care", arguing that burn boss Gene Phillips should have adjusted his burn plan due to the forecasts of high winds. They also noted that Phillips sent fire crews home, leaving the nearest backup crews 90 minutes away. According to the plaintiffs, fire supervisor Paul Carmichael intentionally violated the burn plan, documenting humidity levels too low to conduct the burn.[27]

The Nevada Board of Examiners approved a $25 million settlement for plaintiffs affected by the Little Valley Fire; they originally sought $325 million. The state paid out $10 million, while $15 million was paid by insurers. The plaintiffs, consisting of 105 homeowners, received $18 million, with their insurers receiving the remaining $8 million. Rewards were evenly divided among the homeowners.[23]

Growth and containment table

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Fire containment status Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
Date Area burned Personnel Containment
October 14[11] 2,000 acres (810 ha; 8.1 km2) 300
0%
October 15[11][16] 3,460 acres (1,400 ha; 14.0 km2) 855
20%
October 16[11] 3,400 acres (1,400 ha; 14 km2) 667
55%
October 17[28] 2,291 acres (927 ha; 9.27 km2)[c] 600
90%
October 18[29] 423
90%
October 19[30] 412
100%

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Containment measures control lines around a fire's perimeter that the fire should not cross. When a fire reaches 100% containment, it is not actively burning and no longer poses a threat.[1]
  2. ^ When a prescribed burn is out of prescription, the fire no longer operates within forecast weather conditions outlined in the burn plan.[8]
  3. ^ Due to more accurate mapping.

References

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  1. ^ "What Does Wildfire Containment Mean & How is it Measured?". wfca.com. July 23, 2024. Archived from the original on August 17, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c Nelson, Paul (April 6, 2022). "Fire Experts Review Prescribed Burn That Caused Little Valley Fire". KTVN. Archived from the original on July 29, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  3. ^ Gabbert, Bill (October 14, 2016). "Little Valley Fire burns structures northwest of Carson City, NV". wildfiretoday.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2025. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Little Valley fire probe: State cut staff for prescribed burn turned wildfire". Nevada Appeal. February 16, 2017. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e "The Little Valley Escaped Prescribed Fire Review" (PDF). Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 29, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  6. ^ Fisher, Brett (February 15, 2017). "Report: Prescribed burn decisions by NDF cause of Little Valley Fire". Carson Now. Archived from the original on July 29, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  7. ^ "2021 Little Valley Fire Restoration Update". extension.unr.edu. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  8. ^ "Prescribing Fire". www.tn.gov. Archived from the original on September 1, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  9. ^ "Tag: Little Valley Fire". wildfiretoday.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h "3,400-acre Little Valley fire: Sunday updates: 55 percent containment". Nevada Appeal. October 16, 2016. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Updates on the Little Valley Fire". www.washoecountylibrary.us. Archived from the original on July 31, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Munson, Jeff; Peterson, Paula (October 15, 2016). "I-580 and Eastlake reopen as Little Valley Fire burns 2,000 acres; 19 homes burn". South Tahoe Now. Archived from the original on July 31, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  13. ^ "1,000-acre brush fire burning through Little, Washoe Valleys; 12+ homes burn". Tahoe Daily Tribune. Associated Press. October 14, 2016. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
  14. ^ "State of Emergency Declared in Wake of Wildfires (Updated)". This is Reno. October 17, 2016. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  15. ^ "Wildfire Updates: Little Valley Fire, Emerald Fire". CapRadio. October 16, 2016. Archived from the original on May 29, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  16. ^ a b Fisher, Brett (October 15, 2016). "Little Valley Fire now 20% contained in Washoe Valley". Carson Now. Archived from the original on July 31, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  17. ^ Jamieson, Alastair (October 16, 2016). "Little Valley Wildfire in Nevada Destroys Bunny Ranch Brothel Owner's Home". NBC News. Archived from the original on October 16, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  18. ^ Wright, Pam (October 16, 2016). "Nevada Wildfire Destroys 22 Homes, Hundreds Others Saved By Quick Response". weather.com. The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  19. ^ "Officials: Little Valley Fire remains at 2,290 acres; crews reach 90% containment". KRNV-DT. October 17, 2025. Archived from the original on July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  20. ^ "Board of Fire Commissioners receives update on Little Valley Fire". www.washoecountylibrary.us. Archived from the original on August 1, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  21. ^ a b DeGennaro, Olivia (April 15, 2017). "6 months after Little Valley Fire, victims still struggle with damage & rebuilding costs". KRNV-DT. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  22. ^ a b "22 homes destroyed in Nevada wildfires". The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Associated Press. October 16, 2016. Archived from the original on August 1, 2025. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Rindels, Michelle (June 23, 2019). "State approves $25 million settlement for residents affected by 2016 Little Valley Fire in Northern Nevada". The Nevada Independent. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  24. ^ Pearce, Ed (October 17, 2016). "Animals evacuated from Little Valley Fire". KOLO-TV. Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  25. ^ Margiott, Ben (October 21, 2016). "Flooding a big concern on Little Valley Fire burn scar, rain expected next week". KRNV-DT. Archived from the original on October 23, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  26. ^ Schmidt, Morgane (October 18, 2016). "Equestrians Rally After Devastating Little Valley Fire in Nevada". horsenation.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  27. ^ "Jury finds NDF found 'grossly negligent,' liable for 2016 Little Valley Fire". August 17, 2018. Archived from the original on August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  28. ^ "Little Valley Fire Update 10-17-16 PM". InciWeb. Archived from the original on May 24, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  29. ^ "Little Valley Fire Update 10-18-16 8 PM". InciWeb. Archived from the original on May 24, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  30. ^ "Little Valley Fire Update 10-19-16 7 PM". InciWeb. Archived from the original on May 24, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
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