Area Red Flag Warning Issued; Wildfire Preparation Tips

The National Weather Service issued the first Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 11 p.m. Thursday. The forecast is for two days of gusty winds and low humidity - the perfect combination for wildfires to start and spread.  Winds will gust in the 30 to 45 mph range through this evening. 

"Wind can bend that fire into dry wildland fuels and increase the spread of the fire exponentially," said Adam Mayberry of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. "A lot of people don't realize that wind dries out a lot of these wildland fuels so that increases the fire risk as well."

Fire crews have responded to a number of wildland fires this season, including one on Tuesday that threatened homes in Northwest Reno. Fire officials say construction work was the cause.

"Most of the fires in Washoe County - 85% - are caused by humans," Mayberry said. "That's why it's so important we continue to remind our residents to be mindful of the activities they do outside and make sure they aren't in a position to create sparks. Things like towing a vehicle, dragging chains, those sparks can trigger a roadside fire just as well as tossing out cigarette butts or other smoking materials. Idling over dry grass can spark fires, so can campfires and bonfires, so we strongly want to discourage people from doing so."

Target shooting in dry conditions starts brush fires every season.

"Be responsible," Mayberry said. "If you decide to do things like target shooting, have a fire extinguisher, water and a shovel to make sure you can extinguish a fire in case you start one."

Red Flag conditions also make these fires more difficult and more dangerous to fight.

"These conditions increase the danger for our firefighters and in come cases, limits our ability to attack the fire from the air because a lot of time in gusty wind conditions it's unsafe for the aircraft to fly."

Fireworks are always illegal in Washoe County and Open Burning is closed for the season.

More information: https://www.livingwithfire.info/

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