Extreme fire danger warning for Monday

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a red flag warning for July 18 in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Wind gusts as high as 40 mph and low humidity with little to no rainfall during the last two months will lead to high fire danger on Monday across much of western Nevada, the Lake Tahoe Basin and northeast California, the agency warns. Wind gusts of 30-40 mph will kick up around 10 am Monday morning and continue well into the evening.

“Under these dry conditions even a small spark can quickly grow into a large and dangerous wildfire before first responders can contain them,” officials said in a statement.

The Truckee Police Department issued this warning, “Extreme caution is necessary including no open flames. Hot engines from weed eaters, mowers and chains saws can start fires. Campfires should be out and cold to the touch. Report any smoke immediately to 911.”