Lightning strikes south of Winnemucca Mountain during a severe thunderstorm on the night of July 24,. The storm sparked several fires across Humboldt County. Northern Nevada remains under a Red Flag warning due to severe weather conditions.
The Winnemucca Rural Fire District has experienced a significant increase in fire-related incidents in 2024, surpassing the total number of calls from each of the previous two years. Fire Chief Torrey Sheen reported that there have been 67 fire calls so far this year (as of July 25), a notable rise from the 57 calls recorded in the entirety of 2023 and similar figures in 2022. Fire calls in July (26 runs as of July 27th) have set a monthly record for the department.
The glow of a wildfire illuminates the night sky behind Winnemucca Mountain as a couple fires were ignited by a thunderstorm on July 24. Northern Nevada will likely continue to face severe weather warnings and Red Flag conditions as summer continues.
Following national trends, the fires in Humboldt County have been largely human-caused with only a few sparked by lightning or malfunctioning infrastructure. The increase in incidents has stretched the department's resources but mutual aid agreements with the Bureau of Land Management has led to cooperative approaches.
In some cases of illegal activity, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office issued citations for illegal fireworks and unauthorized burning. These enforcement actions aim to curb risky behaviors that contribute to the fire hazards in the area.
As the summer progresses, the Winnemucca Rural Fire Department urges the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe activities. The department continues to work closely with local law enforcement and community organizations to enhance fire prevention strategies and ensure the safety of all residents.
Can you defend your home from fire?
The wildfire danger in northern Nevada still a threat as season continues
With wildfire season in full swing, northern Nevada is facing heightened wildfire danger due to a combination of dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds. Fire officials are urging residents to implement defensible space around their homes to help mitigate the risk and protect their properties.
Creating defensible space involves clearing flammable vegetation and materials around a home, reducing the chances of a fire spreading to the structure. This proactive measure is crucial as the majority of wildfires in the region are human-caused, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive actions.
According to data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and other sources, around 85% to 90% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activities. These activities include unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, arson, equipment use, and other negligent behaviors. The remaining wildfires are typically caused by natural factors such as lightning.
"Defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from wildfires," said Chief Mark Reynolds of the Nevada Division of Forestry. "With the current fire conditions, it's essential for everyone to take this step seriously."
Tips for Creating Defensible Space
• Clear Vegetation: Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds within at least 30 feet of your home. Trim trees and bushes to prevent them from touching the house.
• Clean Roof and Gutters: Keep roofs and gutters free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can catch fire.
• Spacing and Pruning: Ensure that trees and shrubs are properly spaced and pruned to reduce the spread of fire. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between tree branches and the roof.
• Create Firebreaks: Use gravel, stone, or other non-combustible materials to create firebreaks around your home and property.
• Move Flammable Materials: Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from structures.
• Maintain Green Space: Keep lawns and other green spaces well-watered and mowed to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
Human-Caused Wildfires
Statistics from the Nevada Division of Forestry reveal that a significant number of wildfires in the state are human-caused. Activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and equipment use have all contributed to the wildfire count. As of this year, over 70% of wildfires in northern Nevada have been attributed to human activities.
"Human-caused fires are preventable," said Reynolds. "By being cautious and following fire safety guidelines, we can significantly reduce the number of fires and protect our communities."
Fire Safety Precautions
• Residents are also reminded to adhere to local fire restrictions and guidelines, including:
• Avoiding open flames during high-risk periods.
• • Properly extinguishing campfires.
Using spark arresters on equipment.
• Disposing of cigarettes responsibly.
• With wildfire danger at a critical level, northern Nevada's residents play a vital role in safeguarding their homes and communities. For more information on creating defensible space and fire safety tips, visit the Nevada Division of Forestry website.
By taking these precautions, homeowners can help protect their properties and reduce the risk of wildfires spreading in their communities.