Nevada
Memories of Nevada PEPCON explosion resurface in light of California chemical emergency
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Thousands of Orange County residents are returning home after officials announced the threat of a catastrophic explosion in Garden Grove has been eliminated. Authorities have since reduced the evacuation zone, allowing approximately 65% of evacuated residents to return to their homes.
“What I’m stating, and I want to be very clear. The threat of a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) has been eliminated,” OCFA Interim Fire Chief, T.J. McGovern said.
As first responders continue assessing the damage in Garden Grove, the incident rings similar comparisons to a devastating explosion that shook City of Henderson residents nearly four decades ago.
In May 1988, what began as a small fire at the PEPCON plant in Henderson sparked a series of massive explosions that rattled the entire community. The blasts left lasting memories for those who witnessed them firsthand.
“I still have nightmares. I will probably have nightmares for the rest of my life,” said retired Henderson Fire Capt. Donald Griffie.
In a recent interview with News 3, Griffie recalled being among the first crews on scene when the PEPCON fire erupted. Griffie recounts the explosion which was caused by ignited ammonium perchlorate; a chemical used in rocket fuel threw him and several others several feet into the air.
“The second explosion happened and I was on the ground and the next thing I know, my driver was hollering where am I and he climbed up into the ladder truck and it had blown me up into the bed of the ladder truck,” Griffie added.
County fire investigators determined the PEPCON fire was sparked by a welding torch. Griffie explained the mechanics behind the explosions that destroyed the site near Gibson Road and Interstate 215.
“What happened is those were two buildings that process ammonium perchlorate. It’s like a gas can. The heat was overcoming the building and eventually the gas expanded more than it could release, and that is what the explosions were, and those buildings were completely gone,” Griffie said.
Similarly, the Garden Grove incident, which began Thursday, prompted crews over the weekend to contain and cool a 7,000-gallon tank leaking what California officials described as a toxic chemical used in the manufacturing of resins and plastics.
While some raise concerns over a possible BLEVE explosion, California officials have said as of Monday the threat has been reduced, in part because a crack in the tank may be relieving some of the pressure building inside.
“With the threat of a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) we look at a blast pattern, and all the data and intel show if you have a BLEVE with this chemical, this tank, you need this much radius. That’s been eliminated. So, if we don’t need that much area for the zones, it could potentially be shrunken. So that’s what we’re all doing right now to vet and validate those,” McGovern added.
Despite the reduced threat, authorities warned there are still ongoing safety concerns.
“There’s still a threat out there, and we need the public to keep to those evacuation zones until we deem it safe for them to come back,” officials said. “We understand the difficulties and the challenges of when we make these evacuation zones. Our communities are out of their houses; they’re out of their normalcy the way they’re living. We want them back, we really do, but we cannot allow them back when there is a safety element to them and their well-being,” T.J. McGovern said.
Nearly 800 emergency workers continue operating around the clock in response efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also secured federal assistance to support operations in the impacted community.
BOULDER CITY (KTNV) — Hundreds of veterans, families, elected officials, and community members gathered at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.
Ceremonies were planned around Nevada as communities paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Thousands of flags were placed near the graves of fallen service members as part of the annual tradition.
Gov. Joe Lombardo attended the ceremony, speaking to a room full of attendees who solemnly heard him address the sacrifices made by military members and their families.
“Behind every headstone is a story — a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife, a parent, a friend. These were lives of promise, lives of courage, lives of service,” Lombardo said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Festival season is back in full force in northwestern Nevada.
The Reno River Festival is downtown this weekend, and so are the Biggest Little Skate Jam and the Legion Sports Fest. Carson City has a rib festival and a beer festival, Fallon is hosting a chalk art festival, and Truckee’s pride festival kicks off this Friday.
And then there’s the jam-packed show schedule, with a Broadway tour visit by “Shucked” and appearances by Alabama Shakes, Colt Ford, Yellowcard, Brian Kilmeade and Kyle Gass Company.
In all, there are a whopping 46 unique events this week in the region. Here’s a look at the events, concerts and weather for the week of May 25-31, 2026.
Memorial Day events in Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony, May 25: The Nevada Department of Veterans Services and the Nevada Veterans Coalition will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 14 Veterans Way in Fernley. Volunteers are being sought to place flags at 8:30 a.m. on May 23. For details, visit veterans.nv.gov.
South Lake Tahoe American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony, May 25: American Legion Post 795 will conduct a Memorial Day observance from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. It’s also seeking volunteers for flag placement on Friday and flag removal on Tuesday. It’s at 2748 Young St. in South Lake Tahoe, California. For details, visit visitlaketahoe.com.
Memorial Day | Remember and Honor, May 25: Scout Troop 266 hosts this observance from 5 to 6 p.m. at Trails End Cemetery, 520 Fairway Drive in Tahoe City, California. For details, visit tahoeeventscalendar.com.
Reno-Tahoe events, May 25-31
Rockin’ Ribfest, May 25: Start your summer with a plateful of ribs, and check out the arts and crafts vendors, live music, beer garden and more. It’s happening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Casino Fandango, 3800 S. Carson St. in Carson City. For details, visit casinofandango.com.
“Last Lists of My Mad Mother,” May 25: Dot’s the primary caregiver for Ma, who’s battling Alzheimer’s, while Sis chimes in from afar. This theatrical work wraps up Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Restless Artists Theatre, 295 20th St. in Sparks. For details and tickets, visit rattheatre.com.
Reno Aces vs. Sacramento River Cats, May 26-31: Reno’s Minor League Baseball team hosts the top affiliate of the San Francisco Giants in a six-game set. Highlights include Princess Night and postgame fireworks on Friday, Harry Potter Night on Saturday and $1.50 hot dogs on Sunday. Games are at Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave. For details and tickets, visit renoaces.com.
Cirque Alice, May 26-31: The spring/summer variety show for the Eldorado combines acrobatics, dance and music for a retelling of “Alice in Wonderland.” Performances start at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Showroom, Eldorado Resort Casino, 345 N. Virginia St. Tickets are $25-$75. Details at caesars.com/silver-legacy-reno.
“Shucked,” May 26-31: The Tony Award-winning musical comedy about a farming community grappling with a crop failure will pay a six-day, eight-performance visit to the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. For details, visit pioneercenter.com.
P.U.N.K. Poetry Slam, May 26: Good Luck Macbeth hosts this monthly poetry slam event, presented by Poetry Under No King. It starts at 7 p.m. at 124 W. Taylor St. For details and tickets, visit renolittletheater.org.
“The Lark,” May 27-31: This dramatization of the life of Joan of Arc wraps up this week at Brüka Theatre with five performances — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. It’s at 99 N. Virginia St. For details and tickets, visit bruka.org.
Truckee Pride Week, May 29-June 7: A week-plus of events begins Friday night, with this weekend’s events including fashion making, a hike through Shirley Canyon and a 5K fun run. For the full schedule and details, visit truckeepride.org.
Reno River Festival, May 29-31: Both local and national artists of varied genres are part of this festival every year. Headliners include two national alternative rock bands: The Calling on Friday and Everclear on Saturday. It takes place at 1 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Drive. Passes range from $20 for all three days to $200 for a VIP three-day pass. Details at renoriverfestival.com.
“Sweat,” May 29-31: It’s the debut weekend for this Pulitzer Prize-winning play about friends and co-workers facing factory layoffs and picket lines. It’s happening at Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St. For details and tickets, visit renolittletheater.org.
Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, May 29-30: Running teams will tackle a 178-mile loop from downtown Reno, through Truckee, around the west shore of Lake Tahoe, through Carson City and Virginia City during this round-the-clock footrace. For details, visit renotahoeodyssey.com.
Fallon Chalk Festival, May 29-30: Fallon’s inaugural chalk festival is set for this weekend, with activities including a Sunday color run, face painting, poetry and literary activities — and, of course, chalk art along Maine Street. For details and locations, visit fallonchalkfest.com.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, May 29: The cult classic laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd is making a one-night-only appearance inside the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50 in Stateline. Tickets start at $44. For details, visit caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe.
Legion Sports Fest, May 30: Fitness enthusiasts, check out this 10-sport, 2,500-athlete event with hundreds of fitness and nutrition vendors at the Reno Events Center, 400 University Way. For schedule, tickets and details, visit centerpodium.com/events/legion-sports-fest/.
Biggest Little Skate Jam, May 30: Wu Tang member GZA headlines this rap-centered event that also features a pop-up skate park on the premises. Other performers include Ramirez, The Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief and AK. It all begins at 12 noon at Club Underground, 555 E. 4th St. Tickets are $80-$165. Details at clubundergroundreno.com.
Capital City Brewfest, May 30: This annual event features live music, with specific artists to be announced. It takes place starting at 2 p.m. at McFadden Plaza, 223 W. 3rd St., Carson City. Tickets are $35-$45. Details at capitalcitybrewfest.com.
Magique, May 30: This show blends magic, comedy and dance.This week’s show is 8 p.m. Saturday. Performances are at the Celebrity Showroom, Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Tickets are $60-$140. For details, call 775-356-3300 or visit nuggetcasinoresort.com.
Reno-Tahoe concerts and shows, May 25-31
Giyera, Self Ordained, Brusher and Malice, May 25: A quartet of Nevada-based straight edge bands will perform Monday night at The Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $12. For details, visit hollandreno.org.
Accessory and Facing, May 26: A pair of touring acts that combine noise-rock and shoegaze, they play at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $12-$15. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Left On Read, May 26: Another band that features shoegaze as an influence, except that Left on Read also has a post-hardcore feel to some of its tunes. This Portland, Oregon band plays at 7:30 p.m. at Pizzava, 670 E. Prater Way, Sparks. There is a $10 door charge. Details at instagram.com/pizzava.showspace.
Lucy Darling, May 26: Darling is actually comedian/magician and musician Carisa Hendrix from Canada. As Darling, they perform a tribute to Vegas/Hollywood entertainers from bygone years, a characterization that became very popular on TikTok. Darling performs at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theater, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St. Tickets are $50-$95. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
Telehealth, May 27: Signed to their hometown’s SubPop label, this Seattle group prominently features synths and definitely has a lot in common with UK post-punk and German art rock from the mid-to-late ‘70s. They play at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $12-$15. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Billy Batts and the Made Men and Bazooka Sharks, May 27: An excellent tour to stop in Reno, as the Made Men (from Atlanta) and Bazooka Sharks (from Oregon) both play traditional punk and hardcore. With local openers Hired Fun, the show starts at 7 p.m. at The Empire, 620 Ryland. There is a $10 door charge. Details at instagram.com/620ryland.
Alabama Shakes, May 27: Reforming after a six-year hiatus, this great band mixes Southern rock with indie/garage influences, powered by the stunning voice and deft guitar playing of Brittany Howard. They will play at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theater, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St. Tickets are $75-$125. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
Sang Matiz, May 28-30: Afro-Brazilian and Peruvian music gets fused with modern jazz, funk and pop with this group from San Francisco. They play at 7 p.m. the first night and 8 p.m. subsequent nights at Terrace Lounge, Peppermill Resort Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St. Details at peppermillreno.com.
Barry Neal and Debbie Praver, May 28-29: These two comedians talk about relationships as part of their dual stand-up show “Love and Laughter.” It takes place at 7 p.m. each night at the Celebrity Showroom, Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Tickets are $40-$55 each night. For details, call 775-356-3300 or visit nuggetcasinoresort.com.
Yellowcard, May 28: It’s a night of alternative and punk, or punk-adjacent, music as this violin-featuring group tours with New Found Glory and Plain White T’s. They will all make a stop in Lake Tahoe for this one, 7 p.m. at Tahoe Blue Event Center, 75 US Highway 50, Stateline. Tickets are $45-$115. Details at tahoeblueeventcenter.com.
Lily Grace, May 28: This country artist from Australia performs at 8 p.m. at Pure Country Canteen, 1537 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $20-$30. Details at facebook.com/purecountrycanteen.
Little Foot and Yes Ma’am, May 28: A pair of traveling alternative-folk acts returns to Reno for this show at 8 p.m. at 40 Mile Saloon, 1495 S. Virginia St. Details at 40milesaloon.com.
Marshal Pioneer Pepper, May 29-30: A singer-guitarist from Arizona, Pepper puts on a “Wild West” style dinner show, including traditional folk and country, as well as dance troupes. It takes place at 7:30 p.m. each night at Nashville Social Club, 1105 S. Carson St., Carson City. Tickets are $45-$80 each night. Details at thenashvilleclub.com.
Deceits, May 29: This excellent band from Los Angeles merges modern punk with the classic ’80s goth/post-punk style from the UK. They play at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $20-$25. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Colt Ford, May 29: The popular DIY country-rap musician returns to Reno for this one at 8 p.m. at Club Underground, 555 E. 4th St. Tickets are $45-$50. Details at clubundergroundreno.com.
Planet Perreo, May 29: This Latin/dance show features music from DJ/artists such as Ricky G and Disco Lazer. It starts at 8 p.m. at The Alpine, 324 E. 4th St. Tickets are $25-$35. Details at thealpine-reno.com.
Friends of P, May 30: This event organized by local musicians Nick and Mikie Ramirez (and named for their daughter, Pauline), is a benefit for Reno special needs charities for children. The lineup includes local indie/punk groups Rotary Club, The Juvinals, Nosebone (formerly known as the Shames) and the Glitter Bats. It all begins at 5 p.m. at Shim’s Surplus, 125 W. 3rd St. There is a $10 suggested donation. Details at shimssurplus.com.
Defier, May 30: A hardcore punk/metal band from the Pacific Northwest, Defier plays at 7 p.m. at The Empire, 620 Ryland St. There is a $10 door charge. Details at instagram.com/620ryland.
Brian Kilmeade, May 30: One of the hosts of the “Fox and Friends” TV show, Kilmeade blends political commentary with comedy for his live shows. He’ll perform at 7 p.m. at Hawkins Amphitheater, Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. Tickets are $60-$165. Details at facebook.com/30silverpresents.
Kyle Gass Company, May 30: The former Tenacious D guitarist performs his own music that also blends comedy with rock and acoustic music. Gass and his band play at 8 p.m. at Cypress, 761 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $20-$30. Details at cypressreno.com.
Jeff Rosenstock, May 30: One of the best artists straddling the lines of melodic punk and indie rock, Rosenstock’s shows are always a fun time and loaded with excellent songs. He’s back in Reno for this Holland-Project-sponsored show: 8 p.m. at The Alpine, 324 E. 4th St. Tickets are $15-$20. Details at jmaxproductions.net.
NGHTMRE, May 30: DJ/producer Tyler Marenyi goes by this vowel-negating nom de plume. His music blends bass music with house influences. NGHTMRE performs at 8 p.m. at Cargo, Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N. Virginia St. Tickets are $40-$50. For details, call 775-398-5400 or visit cargoreno.com.
Tristan Selzler, May 31-June 3: Reno is home to this contemporary jazz musician. He performs at 6 p.m. each night at Terrace Lounge, Peppermill Resort Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St. Details at peppermillreno.com.
Shredding Cheddars, May 31: The monthly “Neutral Ground” showcase of new bands sponsored by Reno Punk Rock Flea Market continues with this headliner, who describe themselves as “Washoe County’s only elementary school rock band.” They play with a School of Rock student punk band and local rockabilly band P.S.T. It all begins at 12 noon at West Street Market, 148 West St. Details at rprfm.org.
Allah-Las, May 31: This excellent ’60s garage-psych throwback band from L.A. has been around since 2008, releasing strong albums that merge a lot of bygone pop-rock styles into a singular sound of their own. They play at 7 p.m. at The Hangar, 2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, California. Tickets are $50-$60. Details at thehangarlaketahoe.com.
CD Ghost, May 31: Dream pop meets dance/electronic music with this Los Angeles duo. They perform at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $15. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Reno-Tahoe weather, May 25-31
Monday, Memorial Day: Sunny; highs 81-86 in the valleys and 66-76 at higher elevations. Clear and breezy overnight, then partly cloudy; lows 42-52 in the valleys and 35-45 at higher elevations.
Tuesday: Sunny and breezy; highs 67-72 in the valleys and 56-66 at higher elevations. Clear and breezy overnight; lows 40-45 in the valleys and 30-40 at higher elevations.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers; highs 64-69 in the valleys and 55-65 at higher elevations. Partly cloudy with a continuing chance of showers overnight; lows 38-48 in the valleys and 32-42 at higher elevations.
Thursday: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers, especially in the Sierra; highs 70-75 in the valleys and 60-70 at higher elevations. Clearing overnight; lows 38-48 in the valleys and 29-39 at higher elevations.
Friday: Mostly sunny; highs 68-78 in the valleys and 60-70 at higher elevations. Mostly clear overnight; lows 41-51 in the valleys and 32-42 at higher elevations.
Saturday: Mostly sunny; highs 72-82 in the valleys and 63-73 at higher elevations. Clear overnight; lows 41-51 in the valleys and 32-42 at higher elevations.
Sunday: Mostly sunny; highs 75-85 in the valleys and 65-75 at higher elevations. Mostly clear overnight; lows 44-54 in the valleys and 35-45 at higher elevations.
Northern Nevada roads, May 25-31
Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, May 29-30: Watch for runners on roads throughout northwestern Nevada and around Lake Tahoe this Friday and Saturday during the annual 33-hour footrace.
U.S. 50 between Spooner Summit and the state line: The Nevada Department of Transportation is conducting repaving work, which will continue through October. Expect single-lane closures and speed restrictions.
I-80 west of Reno: Expect lane shifts, reduced speeds and overnight lane closures through spring 2028 as NDOT works to replace seven aging bridges along the corridor between Mae Anne Avenue and Boomtown.
Kietzke Lane near Gentry Way: Watch for lane and sidewalk closures on Kietzke between Linden Street and Moana Lane through June while NDOT conducts initial construction for future pedestrian safety improvements.
Mark Earnest contributed to this report.
Brett McGinness is the engagement editor for the Reno Gazette Journal. He’s also the writer of The Reno Memo — a free newsletter about news in the Biggest Little City.
Subscribe to the newsletter right here. Consider supporting the Reno Gazette Journal, too.
I confess I broke the cardinal rule of planting. I admit I fell for it. The weather was so beautiful, I not only bought marigolds and one tomato plant, along with some perennials, I planted them before Washoe Valley’s safe planting date for non-hardy veggies and plants of June 1.
Worry not, my fellow gardeners, I was immediately punished. Not one but two freezes came two days after planting.
The perennials are all fine. Amazingly enough, the marigolds made it. However, the tomato is a goner. I know better, but I got caught up in the excitement of warm weather and planting possibilities.
My friend Kate asked me about pruning some overgrown roses now. She wanted to prune them back almost to the ground. I advised her that radical pruning is rarely the best option. A better plan is to remove a third of the excess growth, any crossing branches, any unsafe one that might poke you in the eye, and any dead growth.
Since roses are prone to many diseases, always disinfect pruning tools between cuts. I use rubbing alcohol, because it doesn’t rust tools. I just put it in a spray bottle and carry it with me bush to bush. Some people use bleach, which does cause rust. Sharp tools are best for pruning roses. Follow up on each cut by sealing it with white or wood glue. This will prevent borers from getting in the stem and killing it down to the crown. “A little dab will do ya!”
During my unwise plant shopping spree, I discovered that fertilizer is now extraordinarily expensive. I was shocked. I guess the Iran war and oil crisis is hitting home in more ways than just gas for cars or diesel for trucks. Yikes!
I am enjoying the multitudes of birds that live on or near our property. There is a robin nesting in a viburnum under our bedroom window. I watch her surreptitiously and I’m hoping there will be babies soon.
The Western bluebirds are prolific, skimming through the air grabbing all the bugs stirred up from our weed-whacking and mowing. They and the robins take enthusiastic and entertaining baths in the bird bath every day. I have a number of hyperactive, black-chinned hummingbirds at our two feeders. Who knew how assertive hummers could be, guarding their territory? I also didn’t realize that house finches would drink regularly at the hummingbird feeders.
I love spring!
— JoAnne Skelly is an Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.
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