Why is it smoky in southwest Reno? Truckee Meadows Fire says don't call emergency services

Residents or drivers in southwest Reno may see smoke from Galena Regional Park this week as the Nevada Division of Forestry conducts a controlled burn.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue posted on X asking people not to call emergency services about the smoke, as it is an intentional burn managed by the state forestry division.

Fire crews are expected to remain on the scene overnight.

What is a controlled burn or prescribed burn?

A prescribed fire is a planned and controlled application of fire to an area by experts with the purpose of achieving land management goals. This can include fuel reduction and habitat restoration. 

The Nevada Division of Forestry's website said prescribed burns "should not be confused with open burning that can occur under permit issued by your local fire protection district. The implementation of prescribed fires in Nevada is governed by" state law.

Why conduct prescribed burns?

By burning excess vegetation in a controlled setting, fire crews prevent larger, more severe wildfires from spreading in dry conditions.

What do experts take into account when they conduct a prescribed burn?

Several factors go into when and how a prescribed burn takes place, such as weather, humidity and temperature.

Will Reno have a bad wildfire season this year?

It’s too early to predict. However, Northern Nevada had a warm, dry winter which can precede large wildfire seasons.

In 2024, the Reno area saw multiple wildfires, including the Davis Fire, which burned across 6,500 acres and destroyed several homes.

Why is the burn happening now?

The cooler, wetter months Renoites are experiencing right now allow land managers to "lower the risk of catastrophic wildfires and help maintain healthy forests by returning nutrients to the soil," said a spokesperson with the Nevada Division of Forestry.

The spokesperson added that these fire operations are conducted following strict protocols to ensure safe and effective application of fire to the land.

Why is there smoke at Galena Creek?

The spokesperson with the Nevada Division of Forestry said the efforts are made with the goal of reducing wildfire fuel around Galena Creek as well as improve forest health by stimulating aspen and Jeffrey pine regeneration. Thinning the vegetation removes unhealthy or over-competitive plants while leaving ample water, sunlight and nutrients for the forest as a whole.

As a result, the project also betters the wildlife habitat and mitigates wildfire risks for nearby neighborhoods.

How big is the fire at Galena Creek?

Fire experts are burning two areas at Galena Creek, totaling 36 acres. The burns will remove about 61 tons of ‘slash,’ or forest debris and woody vegetation.