As the wind picks up, fire danger goes up as well.
"It can make it spread more rapidly than responders can contain," said meteorologist Marvin Boyd from the National Weather Service.
A Red Flag Warning means we need to pay extra attention to fire danger. The criteria can vary based on the elevation and terrain. For lower valleys in Nevada you have to have wind gusts in excess of 35 miles per hour and a relative humidity less than 15%. For Tahoe the relative humidity is 25% or less. The winds are the same.
You can also have a Red Flag Warning issued because of lightning. Meteorologists also talk with the Forest Service about the health of our vegetation before issuing a Red Flag Warning.
"The wind is a critical factor in any fire," said Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran.
Something we see plenty of in northern Nevada. Our recent hot weather is already taking a toll on our brush and grasses.
"Along the Western Sierra Front below 5,000 feet, the fuels have been churned and the fine grass, and fine fuels and even sagebrush is becoming ready for fire activity," said Boyd.
Which means there are several activities you should avoid.
"You don't want to be barbequing, doing anything with a live flame outside that's a campfire or something like that," said Cochran.
Most fires are human caused.
"We recommend 30 feet clearance around your home from weeds. Recreational shooting for example. A lot of people enjoy that around here. Not the right time to be doing that especially in the wildland area," said Cochran.
It's not the right time to be shooting off fireworks either. What it is, is the time to be extra careful.
