UPDATE, January 2021:
Officials released a video Tuesday announcing the official cause of the Pinehaven Fire was a "high voltage arc flash" from a nearby power line.
The fire started on November 17, 2020 around 1 p.m. on the hillside just south of Pinehaven Road and Sierra Pine Drive.
Extreme and erratic wind played a role in the severity of the fire.
The investigation took approximately two months.
Officials say 1,300 homes were evacuated, five homes were destroyed, three homes were heavily damaged, and 21 homes reported minor damage.
The Reno Fire Department said the Pinehaven Fire could not have been prevented by NV Energy but residents planting too close to homes caused the fire's rapid growth.
The video was released in order to provide transparency with the public. Residents can watch the whole video here.
Officials say this is the same cause of the Caughlin Fire that occurred in 2011.
You can read the full report below:
NV Energy released a statement in response to the Reno Fire Department's findings:
"We disagree with the Reno Fire Department’s conclusion that NV Energy power lines are the probable cause of the Pinehaven Fire. Evidence demonstrates that the Pinehaven Fire ignited before any events on NV Energy’s system at 1:01 p.m. and that the likely cause was fire escaping from a campfire ring during high winds. The smoke from this pre-existing fire may have created ionization between the power lines, leading to an arcing event that appeared on the Silver Legacy Resort video. NV Energy appreciates and agrees with the Reno Fire Department’s findings that NV Energy’s equipment was properly maintained and that an equipment failure did not start the fire.
While the Pinehaven Fire was not caused by electric equipment, it nevertheless highlights the importance of our state’s Natural Disaster Protection Plan laws. NV Energy has a natural disaster protection plan that was approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and NV Energy has acted consistent with the plan to help protect the public from the impacts of natural disasters. As part of the work to make electric equipment more resilient to natural disasters, we have inspected more than 40,000 poles in the high fire risk areas of the communities we serve, including the line in the vicinity of the Pinehaven fire, and made critical repairs. We have also increased our vegetation management practices to help reduce the risk of wildfire in the areas we serve. NV Energy has also contracted with numerous local fire organizations to conduct fire mitigation and protection activities to protect our customers and the natural beauty of Nevada."
Original Story, November 2020:
The Reno Fire Department says the Pinehaven Fire in the Caughlin Ranch area is now fully contained as of Friday evening.
The Reno Fire Department (RFD) is requesting information that may help them with the investigation of the Pinehaven Fire.
A regional fire investigation team has finished processing the hillside and has determined the area of origin.
“Our team is now in the process of analyzing collected evidence and interviewing witnesses,” said Tray Palmer, Fire Marshal for the Reno Fire Department. “It may take up to a week before we can release a conclusion, but at this time there is no evidence of malicious intent.”
The fire investigation team consists of certified fire investigators from the Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Nevada State Fire Marshal’s office, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and the United States Forest Service.
The fire department is asking anyone who witnessed activity in the above area on November 17 between the times of 12 p.m. (noon) and 1 p.m. to contact them at 775-334-2300.
All roads that were previously closed due to the Pinehaven Fire have been reopened, and evacuation orders have been lifted. Police and fire are asking that non-residents stay away from the affected areas. The Reno Police Department will continue to patrol the area.
The Reno Fire Department is reporting that 11 engines and one hand crew remain on scene to mop up and patrol the fire.
Two firefighters were injured during the fire, but they have since been treated and released. Their injuries were not burn related. There were no reported civilian injuries with the fire.
Classes at Caughlin Ranch Elementary School, Swope Middle School and Reno High School were canceled on Wednesday due to the fire. All three schools will reopen their doors on November 19 for a regular school day.
The Peppermill Resort in Reno offered evacuation rates through 11/19 for residents affected by the current fires. Room prices range from $30-$50 with no resort fees. The Sands Regency offered rooms for $30 for victims of the fire on Tuesday night and the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino offered rooms for $45.
The Red Cross has closed their evacuation center at 1155 East Ninth Street this time. Officials said they provided 17 people with food and lodging, as well as additional services to residents who came.
The Red Cross opened a center at Caughlin Ranch Elementary School on Wednesday for people affected by the fire.
Residents in fire-affected areas who need help can call the Red Cross casework hotline at 1-800-REDCROSS. People who would like to help those affected can make donations to the Red Cross online or by phone.
Mayor Hillary Schieve says she's signed an Emergency Declaration for the fire. Governor Sisolak declared a state of emergency in response to the fire as well.
“I want to thank all the first responders, local government agencies and nonprofit entities who have already stepped up to assist the community during this emergency event,” said Gov. Sisolak. “This truly reflects Nevada’s Battle Born spirit and our commitment to caring for one another in times of need.”
“This is an extremely dynamic situation,” Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran said. “The winds are erratic, and are expected to be gusty until sundown. Precipitation is expected, but we’re not relying on that. We are working to protect homes to the extent that we can.”
undefined
