Wildfire near California-Nevada border shuts down I-80

A wildfire near the California-Nevada border, identified as the Floriston Fire, has forced the closure of westbound Interstate 80 and triggered multiple evacuation orders and warnings in Nevada and Sierra counties.

As of Wednesday evening, the fire had burned approximately 613 acres and was 5 percent contained. The blaze is located about 9 miles northeast of Truckee, near Interstate 80 and Floriston Way. Authorities issued an immediate evacuation order for zone NCO-E379-A in Nevada County due to an imminent threat to life and property, while several other zones in Nevada and Sierra counties remain under evacuation warnings.

Emergency response efforts include Cal Fire personnel, 20 fire engines, 10 water tenders, eight bulldozers, 12 hand crews, and aerial support. The closure of Interstate 80 extends from the Nevada state line to the Verdi/Boomtown area. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.