SAM Magazine—Reno, Nev., Sept. 9, 2024—Evacuation orders are in place for Mt. Rose –Ski Tahoe and neighboring Sky Tavern as firefighters work to contain the Davis Fire. A screen capture from the ALERTNevada webcam on top of Slide Mountain, the peak of Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe.

The 6,500-acre wildfire, which started in the Washoe Valley south of Reno on Saturday afternoon, is currently within a mile of Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe’s eastern boundary, according to a press release from the resort. 

“Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe is taking precautionary measures to mitigate damages should the Davis Fire reach the ski area property,” said resort marketing director Mike Pierce. “Key assets are being repositioned, and sprinklers are in place around the base lodges.

“Special thanks to all agencies working diligently to fight this fire and protect everyone affected,” he added, noting that more information would be made available as details emerge.

In a social media post this morning, Sky Tavern, a nonprofit ski area and mountain bike operation on the Mt. Rose Highway, roughly 20 minutes from Reno, said “Sky Tavern will remain closed until further notice,” adding that there is no further information available at this time. 

“To our friends, families, and neighbors, please stay safe,” the message continued. Sky Tavern thanked folks for their concern and the responders working to battle the fire. It also cautioned people to “please stay away from all evacuation zones so emergency crews can continue working to protect us.”

The latest incident report, issued at 7:00 p.m. local time yesterday, noted that “The southern end of the western front experienced the most rapid growth moving to the north and northeast along the Mt. Rose Highway.”

Fourteen structures are currently known to have been impacted by the fire, and it was last reported to be zero percent contained with “full suppression efforts” ongoing.

Power outages in south Reno have left many without electricity, and a portion of the city remains under evacuation notice, affecting around 12,000 to 14,000 people. Evacuations are also in place for Arrow Creek and Logan Meadows as well as Sky Tavern and Mt. Rose –Ski Tahoe.