WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter calling on President Biden and his Administration to stand ready to approve requests for federal resources Northern Nevada may need to fight the Davis Fire in Washoe County, help communities recover, and allow the area to rebuild stronger. In just a few days, the Davis Fire continues to be zero percent contained and has burned over 5,000 acres, threatened 15,000 homes, caused hundreds of evacuations, left thousands without power, and already destroyed more than a dozen structures.
“Over the weekend, an aggressive wildfire broke out in Northern Nevada, beginning at Davis Creek Regional Park and spreading through Washoe Valley and part of the south Reno area,” wrote Senator Rosen. “As this fire continues to threaten lives, homes, businesses, and livelihoods, I ask that you and your Administration stand ready to provide any federal resources necessary to fight this fire, help communities recover, and allow for this area to build back stronger.”
“In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, Congress appropriated over $4 billion for wildfire suppression and management at the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I was proud to help draft and get signed into law, included $5 billion for wildland fire mitigation and management over five years for the U.S. Forest Service and DOI,” she continued. “As Nevada residents face this latest wave of wildfires, I urge your Administration to continue to allocate these funds in a way where communities like those in Northern Nevada, who need them most, can access and utilize them for critical wildfire management and recovery activities.”
The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
In the face of worsening wildfires, Senator Rosen is working to ensure Nevadans have access to the federal resources needed to stay safe. Earlier this year, legislation she helped introduce to improve wildfire readiness and response passed committee. Senator Rosen also visited the National Weather Station in Reno to meet with National Weather Service personnel, scientific experts, and local and state emergency response staff to discuss how to best support local communities during wildfire season. In addition, Senator Rosen has previously joined her colleagues in asking the White House for federal funds to help Nevada fight wildfires and extreme drought.
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