Reno, Nev. – Fire danger is set to spike across western Nevada and parts of northern California and Oregon on Thursday as a new round of Red Flag Warnings takes effect, driven by gusty winds, low humidity, and dry lightning.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, a Red Flag Warning will be in place from noon to midnight PDT Thursday across Eastern Lassen County, the Sierra Front, and much of western Nevada—including Carson City, Douglas, and Churchill counties. Winds could gust up to 45 mph with humidity dropping to just 10%, creating a high potential for fast-spreading wildfires.
The warnings extend across three states. In southeast Oregon, the NWS Boise office warns that scattered lightning could strike dry grasses in Burns BLM and the Southern Grasslands from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. PDT Thursday. Gusts may reach 50 mph with minimal rainfall.
Further west, the NWS in Medford has issued its own Red Flag Warning for the Klamath Basin and Oregon’s south-central deserts, including areas east of Highway 97 and north of Highway 140. Thunderstorms may persist into Thursday night, many producing little to no rain.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as welding, campfires, or target shooting. Stay alert for emergency updates and check with local fire agencies for restrictions.
Warnings remain active through Thursday night, with the possibility of renewed alerts Friday if dry thunderstorms continue.
