Declaration of Emergency The Davis Fire

WHEREAS, Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 414, authorizes the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring a state of emergency when a natural emergency or disaster of major proportions has occurred within this state, and the assistance of state agencies is needed to supplement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, particularly through a coordinated response; and

WHEREAS, on September 7, 2024, Washoe County issued a proclamation declaring the existence of a local emergency due to the Davis Fire, which has burned approximately 5,000 acres, destroyed at least thirteen structures, and continues to threaten hundreds of homes, as well as critical infrastructure in Washoe County; and

WHEREAS, the Davis Fire has caused the evacuation of approximately 20,000 people from residential neighborhoods, and businesses, as well as parks and campgrounds in the affected areas of Washoe County; and

WHEREAS, the Davis Fire has been exasperated by dry conditions, high temperatures, and severe winds; an

WHEREAS, over 6,000 residents are without power with additional impacts expected; and

WHEREAS, Washoe County has opened an evacuation center for displaced residents and visitors, as well as two animal shelters; and

WHEREAS, Washoe County is experiencing a resource shortage in responding to the Davis Fire and significant economic obligations resulting from the short-term response and long-term recovery for the affected individuals and areas; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has determined that Washoe County is experiencing events that require a coordinated response for the health and safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides: "The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada."

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada, I hereby declare a state of emergency issued on September 8, 2024, to include the following direction:

1. All state agencies shall work through the Nevada Operations Center to supplement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, and

2. The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security shall work with the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support local governments, and

3. This state of emergency shall exist for 5 days unless terminated sooner, if conditions improve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nevada to be affixed at the State Capitol in Carson City, this 8th day of September, in the year two thousand twenty-four.