Looking Ahead from the Fires of 1999 by Bob Abbey Wildland fires have burned about 1.5 million acres in Nevada this summer, most between August 4-11 when more than 170 new fires started. The damage to private property and public rangeland was severe. And our fire season has not ended.
Public safety is of great concern.
The dry and dense vegetation calls for all of us to take the utmost caution not to create any sparks that could cause fires. Although the multiple fires in north central Nevada were lightening caused, a number of human caused fires have occurred across the state. Our federal firefighters are the best in the world, and those assigned to the Nevada fires during this extraordinary summer are some of the most dedicated individuals I have met. I extend my appreciation to those who have been on duty in Nevada, and to the volunteer firefighters who worked to prevent some of the fires from spreading. Human life and safety are our top priorities in fire suppression.