Wildfire, Reno NV, Major Incident

Caughlin IC reporting strong winds and structural loss in Reno NV, now a major incident.

-- The city of Reno, the rest of Washoe County and all of Nevada declared states of emergency Friday as a deadly wildfire swept through western Nevada, the governments announced on their websites.

One person has died as a result of the Caughlin Ranch Fire, Washoe County reported at 8:45 a.m. Friday. In addition, at least 20 structures had been destroyed by the blaze, which at that point had consumed more than 400 acres.

Firefighters are trying to protect other structures, but high winds are causing problems, Reno Fire Chief Michael Martinez said Friday. The National Weather Service forecast sustained southwest winds of 35 mph throughout the day, with gusts as strong as 55 mph.

Reno noted on its website that the local 211 information phone lines are overloaded, advising people to call 775-337-5800 instead for more information.

Galena High School in Reno has been set up as an evacuation center, and if that fills up, Damonte Ranch High School will serve the same purpose. The city of Reno estimated Friday that at least 9,500 people have been asked to leave their homes.

Animals in danger can be transported to the Livestock Events Center in Reno to ensure their safety, the county said.

All Washoe County schools in the Truckee Meadows area are have been closed.

Moreover, all residents in the fire zone and vicinity were urged to stay indoors due to deteriorating air quality, the Reno government noted.

Late Friday morning, after a briefing with local officials, Gov. Brian Sandoval wrote on his Twitter page, "Incredibly proud of the consolidated and coordinated response to the #CaughlinFire. They are doing an inspiring job!"

The governor also wrote that, besides the emergency declaration, "the state has also been approved for a FEMA grant. "

After peaking in the low 50s on Friday, temperatures were forecast to drop into the low 20s overnight in Reno with scattered snow showers possible, the National Weather Service said.

By the weekend, winds were expected to calm considerably, blowing from the west at 5 mph, with high temperatures in the 30s and 40s.