Red Flag Warning in Effect for Truckee Through Friday Morning

Unusual east winds raise the risk of a fast-moving, wind-driven fire

TRUCKEE, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2026) Truckee Fire Protection District has raised the red flag warning for all of Truckee through 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Unusual east to northeast winds and very dry air are creating dangerous fire weather across the Sierra.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento issued a Red Flag Warning for the Sierra and adjacent foothills from 12 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, through 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16 (www.weather.gov/sto). The warning boundary begins at the Sierra crest, placing the Truckee Fire Protection District inside the warning area.

The forecast calls for:

  • East to northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of 25 to 45 mph and locally higher gusts on ridgetops and in wind-prone gaps

  • Daytime humidity of 10% to 25%, with single digits possible

  • Very poor overnight humidity recovery

This is an unusual wind event for Truckee. Prevailing winds here typically blow from the southwest, pushing fire to the northeast. This week’s east winds reverse that pattern, meaning a new fire start could be wind driven and spread rapidly to the west.

“East winds change how a fire would behave in our community, and that calls for extra situational awareness,” said Truckee Fire Chief Kevin McKechnie. “With humidity this low, any new start could be wind driven and spread quickly to the west. We’re asking everyone to take extra precautions through Friday morning during this Red Flag Warning fire weather event.”

Residents will see red flags posted outside Truckee Fire stations and Red Flag Warning magnets on district vehicles, and the fire danger rating on TruckeeFire.org has been updated.

What residents can do now

  • No open flames. All open flames are prohibited, including gas flames and outdoor cooking devices normally exempt under the ordinance. 

  • Hold off on yard work. Avoid using mowers, chainsaws and other power tools that can throw sparks.

  • Clear the first five feet. Move patio cushions, doormats, outdoor rugs and other combustibles away from your home or bring them inside until the warning ends. Wind-driven embers hit this zone first.

  • Be ready to go. Sign up for emergency alerts and know your evacuation zone. The Town of Truckee’s Emergency Preparedness page has alert sign-up, zone lookup and go bag checklists: https://www.townoftruckee.gov/221/Disaster-Preparedness

  • See smoke or fire? Call 911.

For more information, visit TruckeeFire.org.

Ryan Ochoa