Nevada is preparing for a challenging wildfire season as officials predict above-average fire activity due to a lack of snowpack and persistent drought conditions. During a briefing, Governor Joe Lombardo and state foresters indicated that warmer temperatures will extend the fire season and intensify wildfire risks, particularly in rural areas of Southern Nevada starting in June and throughout Northern Nevada in July and August. Last year, Nevada experienced 579 fire starts, with over 452,500 acres burned, a trend expected to continue in 2026. The newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service is consolidating firefighting efforts to enhance efficiency, although it currently does not include the Forest Service's firefighters. State officials have issued a fire prevention order banning activities such as target shooting and fireworks on public lands from May to October. This precaution is crucial as conditions are ripe for wildfires, with cheatgrass capable of igniting at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are urged to exercise caution, particularly on hot, windy days, to prevent accidental ignitions.