Lyon County hit by weekend fires

As if the season needed an introduction, a slew of small wildfires cropped up in the area during the weekend, causing the troops to rally but not much emergency.

"None of them got large," said Rob Loveberg, emergency management coordinator for Lyon County, where the fires ignited.

He said about seven to nine fires were started by lighting in his county Sunday night, and one accidental fire was started Saturday night. All are either contained or no longer active, he said. There was a new fire on Monday, but nothing Loveberg was concerned about.

"It wasn't too large a fire, and I don't think they had any trouble with it," he said of the firefighters who responded.

With storms forecast to roll through the area through Thursday morning, Loveberg said he expects to stay busy.

"Wild land (fire) season never ended this year," Loveberg said. "Things are dry out there, and with lightning picking up ... we have every expectation to be doing this again (Monday) night."

Edan Lindaman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno, said she expects Wednesday's weather - which the NWS website predicts to bring scattered thunderstorms, same as today - to be the most severe, but not as dangerous as it would be in midsummer.

"We aren't even really that concerned with fire hazards because the fuels aren't quite ready," Lindaman said.

Nonetheless, Loveberg encouraged the public to practice fire-season safety by keeping brush and flammables away from their houses, reducing fuels on their property and maintaining defensible space.

Carson City also will play host to a Wildfire Awareness kickoff event Saturday at Mills Park. The event will give residents and visitors a chance to talk with local firefighters, learn how to use a fire extinguisher, discuss insurance questions and visit with vendors peddling relevant goods and services.

IF YOU GO

Wildfire Awareness Week kickoff event

What: An even marking the start of Wildfire Awareness Week, which will give residents and visitors the opportunity to talk with local firefighters and representatives of the state fire marshal and the Nevada Division of Insurance.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mills Park, 1111 E. William St.