The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag warnings for the area through tomorrow due to forecasted wind gusts of up to 35 mph.
“A Red Flag Warning means weather conditions are ideal for the rapid propagation of wildfires,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Charles A. Moore. “And the forecast for moisture behind this wind does not include a great deal of precipitation, except for a possible lake effect snow event, so we’re asking residents to be extremely careful.”
The National Weather Service is not able to predict where a possible lake effect snow event will occur, but there is potential all along the Highway 395 corridor and also in the Pyramid Lake area.
Moore advises all residents to use maximum caution with fireplace ashes, and to think about fire safety, especially since existing vegetation is very dry due to drought conditions.
“Fuel moistures in the area still present a significant danger for the ignition and spread of a wildland fire,” said Moore.