Fire leaders met in Carson City to cover this summer's peak fire season.
Several factors are going to make it tough for firefighters.
"This is the first year of the onset of the drought cycle, and we have a lot of carryover fuels from the previous year, as well as the fuels have grown this year," says Ryan Shane, State Forester Firewarden, Nevada Division of Forestry.
Shane adds, "we have a lack of snowpack at the upper elevations that's going to allow fire activity in those systems, the forested systems, much earlier than, previous years."
Last year was the heaviest of the last five, with over 450,000 charred acres. Shane says 95% of those fires were put out within a day.
With a lot of Nevada consisting of flammable sagebrush and other dry vegetation, fire crews working together is of the utmost importance.
"There are many jurisdictions across the spaces of our communities. We can't stop at those lines," Shane says. "We need to send our closest forces when they're needed most. and this collaboration is a more than just a mindset. it's a strategy, and we put it into action."
Memorial Day is right around the corner, so a lot of you are probably planning to head outdoors.
As Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran pointed out at Wednesday's briefing, the easiest fire to put out is one that doesn't ignite in the first place.
"Not starting fires is probably the number one, right?" Shane says. "Not parking on dry grass, not dragging towing chains, not grinding or welding or smoking in areas that are flammable. There's other things too. Defensible space around your homes and businesses is very important. That keeps your home safe and doesn't put as much pressure on our fire service to engage at each home site."
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, there are no fire restrictions in place in northern Nevada, except around Lake Tahoe. You can check fire restrictions through the Nevada Fire Info website.
Wednesday's briefing concluded with an award presentation to the Nevada Army National Guard.
Personnel with the Nevada Army National Guard receive an award for wildfire support, flanked by the Nevada Division of Forestry and Governor Lombardo.
"The mobilization and commitment demonstrated by the personnel of the Wolf Pack and Mustang units were instrumental in the success of our wildfire response efforts," the award presenter says.
National Guard personnel posed with the Nevada Division of Forestry and Governor Lombardo to receive the award.
Several agencies met with Governor Joe Lombardo at the state capitol to review last year's fire outlook and prepare for what's ahead.
