Dense smoke advisory goes up for Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley due to Loyalton Fire

UPDATE 4:50PM: A Dense Smoke Advisory issued by the National Weather Service for the greater Reno, Sparks, Virginia City and Carson Valley areas has been extended until 9 a.m. Monday morning. As of late Sunday afternoon, drift smoke was evident in Washoe Valley, Carson City as well as into Silver Springs and Dayton.
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The National Weather Service in Reno on Sunday issued a Dense Smoke Advisory for the valley areas of Reno into Carson City and Carson Valley due to the Loyalton Fire burning in the Tahoe National Forest in California.

The advisory is for the greater Reno, Sparks and Virginia City areas as well as Carson City, and Carson Valley in Douglas County. The smoke could last longer, but will be dependent on fire activity and winds this afternoon. There is also heat advisory that is in effect Sunday through 11 p.m. Tuesday and a Red Flag Warning through 5 a.m. Monday.

For the Dense Smoke Advisory, visibility as low as 1/2 mile in dense smoke, according to the weather service. For the Heat Advisory, temperatures up to 100 degrees during the day with overnight lows 65-72 degrees.

The Loyalton Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith. Fire behavior is extreme, and a smoke column is visible throughout the Sierra Valley and North Reno.
US Highway 395 is closed from Hallelujah Junction to Border Town. Road closures are at Highway 70 from Highway 49 to Highway 395.

There are evacuations in portions of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra County including:
— Mandatory evacuation Chilcoot, south of Highway 70
— Mandatory evacuation Long Valley Road and Scott’s Flat Road south of Highway 70
— Mandatory evacuation west of Highway 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs
— Advisory evacuation in Vinton
— Advisory evacuation in Chilcoot, north of Highway 70
— Advisory evacuation east of 395 from Hallelujah Junction to Cold Springs

Go here for updates on the #LoyaltonFire.

Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility. The combined heat and mild overnight lows will bring heat impacts to sensitive populations, those exposed to the afternoon sun for long periods of time, and to those who do not have adequate home cooling. Visibility may rapidly fall in smoke and also bring hazardous air quality. For the latest on air quality go here. As of 2:30 Sunday afternoon the air quality index was "good" in Carson City and Carson Valley and "unhealthy" in the Reno-Sparks area.

The weather service advises people should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.

For the dense smoke advisory the weather service advises to stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is present. Avoid strenuous activity, especially if you are sensitive to poor air quality, such as the elderly, children and anyone with chronic illness or respiratory problems.

See CarsonWeather.com for the latest forecast updates around the Carson City area.