Fast-Moving Wildfire Near Truckee Closes Span of I-80
A rapidly spreading wildfire near Truckee shuttered a span of Interstate 80 and prompted swift evacuation warnings Wednesday.
The Floriston Fire in Nevada County, California, broke out just after 10 a.m. and exploded to nearly 300 acres within hours, spreading at a “dangerous rate” without containment, Cal Fire said.
The vegetation fire sparked on the hillside near the Floriston exit of I-80, closing the road’s westbound lanes near the Nevada state line and prompting evacuation warnings in three zones near Truckee. Cal Fire said the fast-moving blaze 9 miles west of the town is threatening the thoroughfare, along with the Truckee watershed and nearby natural resources.
Officials quickly predicted that the fire, driven by eastern winds, had “potential” to reach 200 acres. It reached 297 acres by 12 p.m.
The footprint remained the same as of 2:40 p.m., as 20 engines and 12 firefighting hand crews responded to the blaze. According to Cal Fire, it is 0% contained.
California Highway Patrol said there is no estimate for reopening I-80 and urged motorists to avoid the area and to expect significant delays.
This is a developing story and will be updated.