While the Davis Fire is nearing 100% containment, fire crews are saying it doesn't mean we are out of the woods this fire season.
Reno Fire Department Chief, Dave Cochran says because of Nevada's unique environment, fire season is all year long. So they will be just as cautious in the cooler months as they are in the hotter ones.
"Some of our most destructive fires have been actually in the winter months, November, January," said Cochran. "We've had the Washoe Dry Fire, the Cullen Ranch fire, Two Pine Fires."
Chief Cochran says if we don't get enough precipitation and wet weather the vegetation can dry out quickly regardless of how cold it is. Reno Fire often increases staffing on dry windy days to better prepare for a potential fire. Last week they had over 100 personnel on duty because they were concerned of the impacts the weather could have on the Davis Fire. With predictions of rain this week, Cochran says while the rain can help put the fire out. It can also cause other problems.
"Those slopes that have been burned off now have nothing to hold the dirt and rock in place, so depending on whether the rain is heavy enough it can cause erosion. The other thing that is just a natural bi-product or pre-event with the rain is the winds ahead of the storm," he said.
With the risk of winds picking up the fire and erosion and flooding possibly impacting nearby neighborhoods Chief Cochran says to make sure you have a go-bag packed and ready.
You can find a full check list of what you should pack in your go-bag by clicking here.
