Nevada Residents Urged to Stay Prepared as Fire Weather Conditions Continue

Nevada residents are being encouraged to remain prepared for wildfire as dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds continue to create periods of elevated fire-weather risk across parts of the state.

Recent National Weather Service alerts have identified areas of Nevada where the combination of strong winds and low relative humidity could allow fires to spread rapidly. In some areas, relative humidity was forecast to fall into the single digits or low 20-percent range.

What This Means for Local Residents

Wildfire can spread quickly through dry vegetation, particularly when strong winds are present. The Nevada Division of Forestry recommends that residents prepare before a wildfire occurs by addressing defensible space, evacuation plans and access and egress routes around their properties.

Preparing ahead of time can give households more options if a wildfire threatens their neighborhood.

Current Fire-Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service has recently issued Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings for portions of Nevada because of strong winds and low humidity.

In northern and central Nevada, recent warnings included areas of Humboldt, Lander, Nye, Elko and surrounding counties. The NWS reported that some locations could experience wind gusts of up to approximately 45 mph and very low humidity.

Southern Nevada has also experienced periods of elevated fire-weather conditions, with the National Weather Service citing winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity between 5% and 20% in affected areas.

Residents should check current conditions before outdoor activities and follow any fire restrictions in effect.

Prepare Your Home

The Nevada Division of Forestry recommends several steps residents can take to reduce wildfire risk, including:

• Create and maintain defensible space around your home.
• Manage dry vegetation and other combustible materials.
• Store firewood and other combustible materials away from structures.
• Make sure emergency vehicles can access your property.
• Review evacuation plans and identify access and escape routes.

Residents can also contact their local fire agency about defensible-space inspections. Nevada’s Fire Adapted Nevada program provides contacts for participating fire agencies around the state.

Stay Ready for Evacuation

Nevada Division of Forestry advises residents to be prepared for notifications and evacuation orders if wildfire threatens an area. Families should consider plans for children, older adults, pets and anyone who may need additional assistance.

Keep important medications, documents, water and other essential supplies ready to take with you if you need to leave quickly.

Residents should follow evacuation instructions from local authorities rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.

Looking Ahead

Wildfire conditions can change quickly. Residents should continue monitoring official weather and fire information, follow local fire restrictions and avoid activities that could create sparks during periods of elevated fire danger.

The Nevada Division of Forestry maintains current information about state fire restrictions, while Nevada Fire Info provides information about wildfire incidents and restrictions on public lands managed by other agencies.