On 1-19-12 the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag and extreme fire danger warning for Washoe County and the surrounding areas due to very high winds and the dry conditions in the area.  At approximately 1:20 pm a brushfire (origin under investigation) started in the vicinity of Washoe Lake and Old Washoe City.  Heavy amounts of smoke was visible to the south from the Montreux Community.  Due to the high winds and dry conditions the fire quickly spread in a northerly direction.  As a precaution, at 2:45 pm fire officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for the St. James, Galena, Montreux, and Callahan Ranch Communities.  In cooperation with the Sierra Fire Protection District, Montreux Security opened all perimeter evacuation gates in Montreux and monitored the situation.  Montreux Clubhouse General Manager Lisa Anderson and staff posted condition and evacuation updates on the Montreux Website, Montreuxgolf.com, Facebook, and email databases.  The fire continued to spread in a northerly direction along the SR 395 corridor through Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley areas.  With a reported 360 firefighters on scene from the surrounding communities and California and the reduction in wind, officials declared that the progress of the fire stopped south of the SR 431 and 395 Junction.at approximately 9:00 pm and the situation stabilized.  Fire officials reported that approximately 3,700 acres had burned and 20 homes destroyed.  The voluntary evacuation order was lifted for Montreux and the surrounding communities at 9:30 pm and residents were advised that they could return to their homes.  The Montreux Community received no property damage of any kind and no injuries were sustained.  There was a brief power outage from 8:40 pm to 9:00 pm.  Montreux Scurity received approximately 340 calls from individuals and residents regarding evacuation and fire updates during the afternoon and evening hours of this event.  Montreux Security and the HOA Board would like to thank the Montreux Community for their calm, patience, and cooperation during this time.  Please contact Montreux Security if you would like additinal information.

Pete Christoffersen

Director of Security, Montreux HOA