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I-80 Fire Rages: Truckee Canyon Blaze Shuts Down Highway
17 Sep
Summary
- A fast-moving wildfire ignited in Truckee River Canyon Wednesday morning.
- The Floriston Fire is burning near Interstate 80 and Floriston.
- Westbound Interstate 80 remains closed at the Nevada state line.
A wildfire erupted in the Truckee River Canyon on Wednesday around 10 a.m., rapidly spreading and forcing the closure of westbound Interstate 80 at the Nevada state line. The Floriston Fire, located near Floriston, is actively threatening both the highway and the Truckee River watershed.
Fueled by wind gusts potentially reaching 20 mph, the fire exhibited a dangerous rate of spread. Initially burning 20 acres shortly after its start, Cal Fire warned it could grow significantly. Long-range spotting has been reported, indicating the fire's aggressive nature.
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning for areas along the Interstate 80 corridor and northward, including Boca Reservoir. While nearby Truckee neighborhoods are close to the warning zone, they are not currently included.
Authorities have not provided an estimated time for reopening the westbound lanes of I-80. The situation remains active as emergency crews battle the blaze.
