GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON NEVADA’S WILDFIRE SEASON

May 19, 2006

CARSON CITY – Governor Kenny Guinn today heard from wildfire managers from the Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District about projections for the 2006 wildfire season. Gov. Guinn received the comprehensive briefing in his Capitol Building office.

The various experts informed the Governor that Northern Nevada will experience another record year for cheatgrass growth as a result of above average amounts of precipitation across the northern half of the state. Coupled with last year’s annual grass growth in Southern Nevada, experts said the state is very vulnerable to the potential for destructive wildfires.

The experts added that Spring melting of snow in higher elevations will be vigorous this month in Northern Nevada, providing plenty of soil moisture and significant amounts of runoff (snow packs averaged about 150% of normal this year). This should keep the fire danger low in Northern Nevada through the month of May, but as vegetation dries out later in June, the fire danger on mid-slopes and in valleys will rapidly increase.

The Las Vegas Valley and Southern Nevada counties are already experiencing significant drying of combustible vegetation due to higher temperatures, creating the potential for early season wind driven fires.

Over the last few years, Nevada has experienced larger and more intense fires across the state. In 2004, there were a total of 950 wildfires that burned 40,950 acres throughout the state, and in 2005 there were 782 wildfires that charred 1,030,847 acres. So far, in 2006, Nevada has already seen 1,227 acres burned by 41 wildfires.

“The potential for catastrophic wildland fires is very real,” Gov. Guinn said. “We want the public to enjoy their recreation time in our state and federal lands, but do so responsibly. Our wildfire managers and firefighters are certainly doing their part to prepare for the potentially dangerous upcoming fire season, but the public plays a critical role in preventing these devastating fires by using good common sense precautions and measures.”

State, federal, and local fire agencies are in the process of training paid and volunteer firefighters for the summer wildfire season. Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) seasonal wildland firefighters from around the state are currently attending an intensive three-week Wildland Fire Academy course at the National Guard facility in Carson City where they are receiving training in the basics of wildland fire fighting, safe vehicle operations, chainsaw operation, and working around helicopters.

NDF wildland firefighters are available to help residents and landowners better prepare for the onslaught of the fire season, including offering education programs, assistance to Volunteer Fire Departments, fire prevention activities, and implementing pre-suppression and fuel reduction projects. For more information on safety and prevention measures, please contact your local fire district or closest fire department.