Carson City Weather: Fire threat a 'particularly dangerous situation' forecasters say

Noting a potentially dangerous fire weather situation with gusty winds and low humidity ahead, the National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning from Friday afternoon to Saturday night for Carson City, the Sierra and throughout much of the entire western and northern Nevada region.

"This is a particularly dangerous situation with extremely low humidity and high winds," according to a weather service statement, noting that any new fires could grow rapidly out of control.

The weather service advises to be prepare to evacuate quickly if ordered. Forecasters suggested people should avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires and to follow local fire restrictions.

Valley winds will be from the west to southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph Friday, increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph Saturday.

Slope and ridge winds will be from the west to southwest 15-25 mph with gusts around 35 mph Friday with gusts around 50 mph by Saturday afternoon. Humidity is expected to be between 5 to 15 percent through Saturday.

The American Red Cross has provided safety measures to make in case of wildfire. The following tips are basic information to keep in mind during wildfire season. For more detailed information and to learn how to make an emergency kit, visit redcross.org.

What should I do if there are reports of wildfires in my area?
— Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information.
— Limit exposure to smoke and dust.
— Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.

What should I do to prepare ahead of time?
— Keep the areas surrounding your home clear of brush, debris, and other materials that may catch fire.
— Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply.
— Don’t forget to include critical documents, medications, and food and water for your entire family
— Don’t wait. Evacuate.
— If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately and head to your identified shelter - this can be with family or friends, or at a hotel, Red Cross shelter, or other location you select.

Have a Family Plan
— If separated, have a meeting place near your home.
— If you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate, know the meeting place location outside of your neighborhood.
— Plan your evacuation routes. Your primary route may not be accessible, so list two routes.
— If your household is separated or unable to communicate with each other, have an outside emergency contact.

Returning home after a wildfire
— Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.
— Use caution when entering burned areas – hazards may still exist, including hot spots which can flare up without warning. Visit redcross.org for more information on how to make an emergency kit.

Meanwhile, increased fuels due to the wet winter and spring, drying vegetation, high fuel loading, and increasing daytime temperatures have prompted the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts on the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest to announce the implementation of fire restrictions beginning Saturday.

“With the heavy fuel loading in the Sierra Front and increased fire activity across the region, going into fire restrictions is an important step for us to help prevent wildfires,” said Mike Wilde, District Fire Management Officer. “People are encouraged to safely enjoy the public lands, bearing in mind that human-caused fires threaten human life, private property, and public land resources every summer.”

Fire restrictions prohibit the following:
— Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (using wood, charcoal or any other material), campfire, or stove fire except a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel outside of a developed fee campground or picnic area (except by permit).

— Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or at a developed campground or picnic area.

— Operating vehicles or other motorized equipment off of existing paved, gravel, or dirt roads.

— Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.

— Using, or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit.

— Possession or use of fireworks (always prohibited) or any other incendiary device.

— Use of tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition, or exploding targets, including Binary Explosive Targets while recreational shooting.

Violators found guilty of having a fire during restrictions on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest could receive a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail or both. Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs, and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

Report fires to the Sierra Front Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, Minden, Nevada, 775-883-5995, or dial 911.