It's already starting. The first significant Reno / Tahoe wildfire of the 2008 season struck on Sunday, April 27, burning through about 18 acres of the Oxbow Nature Study Area by the Truckee River in west Reno. Firefighters knocked it down quickly and no homes were seriously threatened. In a press release from the City of Reno, fire investigators said the blaze was human-caused and asked anyone with information to call the Reno Fire Department at (775) 334-2300, or the Secret Witness Program at (775) 322-4900. The area will remain closed until further notice.

This relatively minor incident is a reminder that wildfire season is about to start in earnest. It seems that all of us need a reminder now and then, but newer Reno / Tahoe residents should learn about living in fire country and know how to be prepared for the summer's inevitable wildland fires.