Hawken Fire of 2007, west Reno.
Photo © Stan White
Wildfire season has already arrived in southern California and will soon be here in the mountains and hills of the Reno / Lake Tahoe region. The recent big blaze in Santa Barbara is a reminder that it's already time to be extra careful about our outdoor activities and aware of conditions conducive to wildland fires. Northern Nevada fire officials have cited some conditions that could lead to a busy summer for firefighters.
- A third year in a row of below-average Sierra snow pack, resulting in dry conditions in the mountains.
- Late-season rain may cause an abundance of cheat grass, a primary source of fire fuel across Nevada's rangelands.
- Hot, dry weather going into the summer months. If thunderstorms develop, fires ignited by lightning strikes could be numerous.
All of us need a reminder now and then, but newer Reno / Tahoe residents who have not lived where wildfires are a fact of life should
learn about living in fire country and know how to be prepared for the summer's inevitable wildland fires.
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal
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