Fourth of July comes during high fire danger statewide

RENO -- Firefighters in northern Nevada and the Sierra are anxiously watching the skies for signs of smoke.

That's because of gusty afternoon winds, paper-dry brush, low humidity and the Fourth of July.

A red-flag warning for fire danger is in effect for eastern Nevada and new fire restrictions are in effect there and across much of the state.

With outdoor activities and the likelihood of people playing with fireworks, only the risk of lightning is missing from the potential for a major fire. High winds and the dryness alone are sufficient to concern fire experts that any fire that gets started could grow quickly.

"It's the combination that's keeping everyone on the edge of their seat," Fred Svetz, a meteorologist for the federal Bureau of Land Management, said of the mix of dangerous fire conditions.

"We just need people to be extra, extra careful," said Gary Schiff, a chief ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. "And if you see smoke, call it in. Don't assume we know about it."

Schiff said the 1,180-acre wildfire that closed U.S. 50 west of Carson City on June 17 is an example of how quickly fires can be expected to spread.

Unseasonable rains in April caused an exceptionally heavy crop of cheatgrass to flourish across Nevada and in the Sierra foothills. That grass as well as other vegetation is now brown.

"By far most of the vegetation has cured out," Svetz told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "It's ready to burn."

To help prevent fire, restrictions imposed Tuesday across most of central Nevada prohibit campfires outside of developed recreation areas and ban smoking outside of enclosed vehicles or buildings.

All fireworks are illegal in northern Nevada.

Similar regulations already were in place along the Sierra front.