Nevada Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Nevada - July 13, 2026

Overview

Nevada is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a combination of severe drought conditions, abnormally low humidity, and a rapid spring snowmelt that has exposed highly combustible vegetation across the state. Above-average temperatures, frequently reaching into the triple digits, have further dried out these fuels. Due to the significant demand for and heavy commitment of wildland firefighting resources, both the National Preparedness Level and the Great Basin geographic area have been elevated to Level 4.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires across Nevada, with significant wildland fire activity requiring robust regional and national support. While firefighters have made tremendous progress reaching near-full containment on several of the state's largest fires over the last 72 hours, the potential for new significant wildfires remains above normal. New starts are actively being suppressed, including recent ignitions in the northern parts of the state.

Key Fires:

• Grapevine Fire: Located southeast of Caliente in the Clover Mountains Wilderness Area, this lightning-caused fire has burned 26,464 acres and is currently 99% contained. It has been fueled primarily by heavy timber situated in steep, rugged terrain. Early rapid growth was driven by strong winds and critically dry conditions, but crews have successfully secured the perimeter.
• Kane Springs Fire: Burning approximately 17 miles southwest of Caliente near Elgin, this fire has reached 17,042 acres and is 99% contained. The fire spread rapidly through highly volatile grass and brush fuels in remote terrain before firefighters halted its forward progress.
• Dutch Flat Fire: Located approximately 9 miles northeast of Winnemucca in northwestern Nevada, this fire burned 15,588 acres and has successfully reached 100% containment.
• 18 Mile Fire: A new start reported in the last 24 hours, located 21 miles north of Montello, NV. It is currently estimated at 300 acres and is 0% contained. Firefighters are actively engaging the incident.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the severe fire danger, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been implemented across central, northwestern, and southern Nevada (including Clark and Nye counties). These restrictions prohibit building campfires outside of developed fee campgrounds, smoking outside of enclosed vehicles or buildings, and operating equipment like chainsaws during peak heat hours.
On the land management front, the Nevada Division of Forestry is collaborating with local parks, the USDA Forest Service, and the Nevada Department of Transportation on a major fuel mitigation project at Galena Creek Regional Park. Funded by the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, this project focuses on reducing hazardous fuel loads, improving forest health, and restoring the natural ecosystem to prevent future catastrophic blazes.

Air Quality: While containment of major fires has improved regional air quality, residents near new fire starts or downwind of the Great Basin should remain aware of potential smoke impacts. Using high-performance air purifiers and keeping windows closed during periods of heavy smoke is recommended.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A Heat Advisory is currently in effect for the Nevada Basin and Range, including areas around Pyramid Lake, Hawthorne, Fallon, and Lovelock, with high temperatures ranging from 99 to 106 degrees and very poor overnight humidity recovery.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings have been intermittently active across Washoe County, northern Nye County, and surrounding areas due to extreme heat and high winds. Moving through the next 72 hours, scattered wet and dry thunderstorms are forecast to spread into the southern and western Great Basin. These storms bring a critical threat of dry lightning and erratic, gusty outflow winds (up to 30–50 mph), which can cause new fire starts to grow rapidly in size and intensity.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to adhere to all Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The public is urged to avoid any activities that could generate a spark, including target shooting, welding, using unauthorized off-highway vehicles in dry grass, or dragging trailer chains. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to clear dead brush from residential properties.
Resource Allocation: Firefighting resources are heavily committed across the Great Basin. Incident management teams are heavily engaged, utilizing aviation resources, smokejumpers, and ground crews to monitor contained fires for interior hotspots while rapidly deploying to new lightning-caused starts.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Nevada Fire Information: www.nevadafireinfo.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.