One Spark Away: Wildfire risk remains high around Carson City
Fire season is still in full swing, regardless of clouds in the sky and a few rain drops; Carson City is at risk, just one spark away from a major fire. Weather conditions play a very integral part in the daily planning and readiness level for fire agencies.
A Red Flag Warning, also known as a Fire Weather Warning, is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to inform area firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire ignition, and rapid spread.
After five years of drought conditions, low regional humidity, and high or erratic winds, a Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies. Carson City often alters staffing and equipment resources to accommodate the forecast risk because a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire.
In recent weeks the Carson City Fire Department has seen several fires start from seemingly innocent activities.
Recently, two fires occurred in populated neighborhoods. The first started from burning a small pile of yard debris and the other was from welding on an off-road vehicle. A third fire started as a result of target shooting in the hills of Carson City.
The first two were caught early and created only moderate damage; the third, although reported early, burned over 240 acres in just a few hours.
Here are things the public can do on Red Flag Warning days:
• Safety chains on trailers should be properly secured.
• Don’t drive over dry grass or vegetation.
• Postpone target shooting.
• Avoid yard work or welding near dry vegetation.
• Report any fire, smoke or unsafe activity which could lead to a fire, immediately.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed and while the weather in Carson City is changing; our risk of wildfire is still great. Remember - all fires start small!
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