Warm dry conditions prompt fire concerns over Labor Day weekend

Summer 2024 is the sixth driest on record, according to National Weather Service readings in Minden dating back to 1906.

The only measurable rain in the Douglas County seat since May 15 was the .02 inches that fell on Aug. 4.

No rain fell during June and July this summer, and the chances for measurable precipitation before the end of August is nonexistent.

While thunderstorms doused a few spots across the county, abnormally dry conditions persist across 93 percent of Nevada, drought.gov reported on Tuesday.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, severe and moderate drought conditions have returned to far Northern Nevada after being clear for more than a year.

Forecasters report a less than 10-percent chance for shower potential through Saturday as a high pressure system builds in the area.

“Be mindful that there could be heightened fire weather dangers due to gusty and dry conditions,” National Weather Service Reno Meteorologist Tony Fuentes said on Thursday morning.

Concerns about fire danger prompted a reminder from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

“Due to the prolonged record heat this summer and exceptionally dry conditions across Nevada and eastern California, most areas are still showing very high to extreme fuels conditions,” said National Forest Fire Management Officer Gwen Sanchez. “This means that any new wildfire has the potential to spread rapidly and burn intensely right from the start. Because of all the fires happening in the west resources are thin so it is more important than ever to prevent human-caused wildfires.”

Both the Carson and Bridgeport ranger districts are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

During Stage 1, the following is prohibited:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire outside of developed recreation sites.

Campfires are not allowed in any area outside of developed recreation sites. Portable stoves, fire pits, or grills that use wood or charcoal are also prohibited in both dispersed and developed areas under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Portable stoves or fires that use gas, liquid fuel, etc., are allowed on all forest lands, provided they have a contained fuel source and an on/off switch. Additionally, California campfire permits are required for campfires in developed sites and for the use of any portable stove, regardless of fire restriction level, in the state of California.

Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building.

Exemption: Smoking while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.

Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Using an explosive.

Fireworks and exploding targets are never permitted on public lands.

Visitors are also urged to heed the following recommendations, especially during forest fire season:

• Pay extra attention to those items that can cause a spark, such as dragging chains on a trailer or power tools. Any spark has the potential to ignite a wildfire.
• Do not drive over dry grass and brush that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.
• Campfires should be kept small and be completely extinguished before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch. It is illegal to have unattended campfires.
• Be aware that recreational shooting could cause a fire, so do not shoot on hot, dry days. Always shoot into a non-flammable backstop. Be sure it is clear of flammable debris on all sides, and always have water, a fire extinguisher, and a shovel ready in case a fire starts.

“The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires,” stressed Sanchez. “The national average of human-caused wildfires comprises 87 percent of all wildfire occurrences every year.”

To learn more about fire restrictions, check out these frequently asked questions at http://bit.ly/FireRestrictionsFAQs. For up-to-date information on fire restrictions across the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Nevada Division of Forestry, please visit https:www.nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions-and-closures. In California, please check with the appropriate land management agency for current fire restrictions.

Many campgrounds and day-use sites on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest require reservations so it is best to visit Recreation.gov to see if there are spots still available.

Visit https://fs.usda.gov/htnf for more information.