Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Driest December in 130 years prompts fire warning from state

Reno fire

Tim Dunn / AP

A firefighter tries to keep back the flames, whipped by strong winds, in Reno on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011.

CARSON CITY — Due to exceptionally dry conditions, state Forester Pete Anderson has issued a fire alert.

It was the driest December in 130 years for Nevada, with no rain or snow recorded in the Reno or Carson City areas. Anderson said there have been large fires already in Carson City and Humboldt, Eureka, Washoe and Elko counties. In November, a wildfire driven by high winds destroyed or damaged 42 homes in Reno.

Conditions are similar to late summer or early fall, Anderson said, and the potential for a rapidly spreading wildfire during daylight hours is high.

Usually, the fire agencies spend the winter months training, maintaining equipment and preparing for the next wildfire season. But so far this winter, Anderson said, officials have been dealing with wildfires that have occurred weekly throughout the state.

"Fortunately, days are short and nighttime temperatures are cold, which slows the spread of a wildfire. But we all must be very cautious with outdoor activities that could trigger an ignition," he said. "The lack of snowfall has resulted in extensive flammable vegetation throughout our communities and open space areas in both urban and rural areas of the state."

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