2025 Nevada wildfires

The typical "fire season" in Nevada lasts from May to October, the time when vegetation is the driest.^[3] However, the timing varies every year based on a number of other factors, including if there is hot, dry weather, the amount of dry vegetation, and when there are more natural causes possible, such as lightning. The peak time of the season is also determined by these factors.^[4]

In mid-June, the Nevada State Forester and Fire Warden had a "cautious" prediction for wildfire season. There were abnormally dry conditions for the month, mostly from less snowpack in lower elevations and a warm spring melting snowpack at higher elevations, and drought conditions set in early. Over half the state was already under drought, compared to just 1% last year. By June 4, there had already been about 150 wildfire reports that burned 600 acres (240 ha), already half of the average calls a year. A large crop of cheatgrass from 2024, an invasive and highly flammable weed, was never tamped down and a second crop is growing. This will cause a heightened risk for Western and Southern Nevada. Forecasts predict fire activity will slow in mid-July during monsoon season.^[5] Continuing into the season, the heavy load of cheatgrass continued into the summer and fall months, particularly in Humboldt and Elko counties, where the largest wildfires of the season have been located. ^[6]

While fighting the Conner Fire on June 20 in Douglas County, firefighter Riley Fraizer working for the Bureau of Land Management received second-degree burns to his hands, wrist, and face. Erratic winds led to increased fire activity when his engine crew was assigned to keep the fire from spreading past a mountain road. Fraizer has been unable to work for the rest of 2025 from the injuries.^[7][8]

On the evening of July 3, dry lightning cells that moved across Northern Nevada ignited several wildfires in the Winnemucca area, including the Bloody and Barber Fires, along with several smaller ones. All the fires grew rapidly amid favorable conditions. They prompted evacuations and threatened infrastructure in Pershing and Humboldt counties.^[9]

In early August, lightning moved through Elko County, igniting several large wildfires. The fires (including the Snowstorm, Jakes, MP 22, and Adobe Mountain fires) have been fueled by dry conditions and rugged terrain. Every BLM district in Nevada and in Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho were sent to respond. Due to limited access to the wildfires, crews are utilizing air support and bulldozers when conditions permit.^[10][11] The Snowstorm and Jakes Fires merged into the collective Jakes Fire on August 4.^[10]

The heavy fuel carryover lasted until the early fall months, with a regular fuel level possibly leading to wildfires until early winter, and drought conditions remained throughout the Great Basin throughout fall. Thunderstorms have been ignited most of the wildfires in the state, including a smaller batch of incidents in late September and early October.^[6]

The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties.

Perimeters of 2025 Nevada wildfires (map data)

• 2025 United States wildfires