There is an 8,000-acre wildfire racing on the outskirts of Reno, NV this Sunday, July 8, 2007. The wildfire has made it necessary to evacuate a staggering number of people from their homes in the town of Winnemucca. So far, there has been reported at least a dozen blazes that make up 55 square miles of wildfire in northern Nevada.

The fire in Winnemucca is actually approximately 170 miles east of Reno. It has managed to threaten homes and an electrical substation, but no civilians have been reported injured thus far.

The wildfire has burned 23,000 acres on land along the Idaho border, and only 10 percent of the fire has been able to be contained as of Saturday, July 7, 2007, according to reports. One firefighter was taken the hospital to be treated for burns that he received while trying to help contain the fire near the Idaho border.

Another wildfire has been reported approximately five miles west of Carlin, NV. This fire has taken over 7,000 acres of land. It burned two mobile homes, as well as other properties. Interstate 80 was shut for six hours Saturday night due to this blaze. As of Saturday morning, July 7, 2007, 40 percent of the fire was contained.

What Causes a Wildfire?

A wildfire is generally caused by nature. Consistently dry and humid weather, especially in forest type environments are more likely to cause a wildfire.

There are three different kinds of wildfires:

1. Surface Fire: This is the most common type of wildfire. It is a fire that burns along the floor of a forest. It moves at a slow pace and kills or damages mostly trees.
   
2. Ground Fire: This type of fire usually is ignited by lightning and burns on or below the forest floor down to the mineral soil.
   
3. Crown Fire: This fire spreads quickly by wind. It jumps along the tops of trees. This type of fire creates the most risk for humans.
   

To see whether or not your neighborhood is at risk for a wildfire, check with your local fire department!
Wildfire Awareness
Here are some things that you can do to prepare for a wildfire hazard:

• Prepare a safety plan in case of a wildfire. Make sure you will know how to take care of elderly or disabled people in case of a fire. Think about your pets, too!
  
• Bonfires are a lot of fun, especially in the summertime. Be sure to build fires in an open area away from trees and bushes.
  
• Remember to clean gutters and drains regularly.
  
• Pay attention to your local areas fire rating and obey their suggestions of when burning a fire might be dangerous. Sometimes they will post signs stating that you should not burn a fire until after 4:00 p.m., or not at all on particular days.
  

Feel free to print this page for classroom or homeschool use.

This book has more information wildfires in a way that kids can understand.
Wildfires