Controlled Burn in Dog Valley Sends Smoke Across Truckee Meadows

NEVADA – The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District began a prescribed burn in the area of Dog Valley on Tuesday, which has resulted in significant smoke across the region. The burn is expected to continue for the week, covering more than 330 acres in the area along Forest Service Road 002, just west of Summit One and Henness Pass Road, assuming weather conditions allow.

Fire departments in the area have been made aware of the controlled burn, and the public is urged not to call 911 to report the fire. Underburning is the method being used in Dog Valley, which involves igniting fires under the forest canopy to consume surface fuels such as grasses, shrubs, and small trees. This process helps reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires, improve soil productivity, and enhance wildlife habitat.

Fire managers have created a detailed burn plan that includes smoke management, fire control measures, acceptable weather conditions, and personnel and equipment requirements. Underburning is just one of the three general types of prescribed fire, which includes pile burning and broadcast burning.

Credits: Fox Reno