The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, through the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is currently conducting prescribed fire operations in Dog Valley, situated west of Reno. This operation, which began on May 6, has created significant smoke that has affected air quality in the region, pushing it into unhealthy levels.
Health officials are advising caution, particularly for vulnerable groups, including individuals with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, children, and teens. Recommendations from AirNow.gov suggest that sensitive individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and consider moving their physical activities indoors or rescheduling them altogether. For the general public, engaging in less demanding outdoor activities, limiting time spent outside, and planning activities for when air quality improves are all prudent steps.
There has been some confusion among residents, with reports of uncontained fires; however, the Forest Service clarifies that this operation is controlled and intended. They urge the public not to call 911 unless there is a genuine emergency, as local fire departments are aware and already coordinating efforts as part of the prescribed burn.
This particular burn covers around 657 acres near Forest Service Road 002, northwest of Summit One and Henness Pass Road, and public access to the area is restricted during the operations. While the smoke can be disruptive, prescribed fires are critical for mitigating hazardous fuels, enhancing soil health, and bolstering forest resilience. Each burn is executed under strict safety protocols that consider environmental factors such as wind, humidity, fuel moisture, and temperature.
For real-time smoke conditions, residents can check the Cloud Cam located on the weather page of the Forest Service website. For additional queries, Fuels Specialist Jed Rudelbach can be contacted via email.
The use of prescribed burns is not only vital for ecosystem management but also serves to educate communities about the importance of forest health and safety strategies during fire season. While the short-term visibility issues may be cumbersome, the long-term benefits to forest resilience and safety are significant.