FirstAlerts

Fire Weather Watch Extended Through Saturday Night for Surprise Valley, Eastern Lassen County, Northern Washoe County

The National Weather Service has extended the Fire Weather Watch for the region, now in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday.

3 reports on this incident · first at Aug 20, 2026, 2:07 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 20, 2026, 2:53 p.m. ET
The National Weather Service in Reno has extended a for Surprise Valley in California, Eastern Lassen County, and Northern Washoe County. The now runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, according to the official record. This is longer than the originally issued , which had an earlier end time. The was issued on August 20 at 10:52 a.m. and covers zones. Officials advise avoiding outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires, and to follow local fire restrictions. Updates are available at weather.gov/reno and preparedness tips at livingwithfire.info.

Earlier reports

  1. Aug 20, 2026, 2:23 p.m. ET

    Fire Weather Watch Issued for Surprise Valley, Eastern Lassen County, Northern Washoe County

    The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Surprise Valley in California, Eastern Lassen County, and Northern Washoe County, effective August 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT. The watch was issued on August 20, 2026, at 10:52 a.m. PDT and expires at 11:00 p.m. PDT on August 22, 2026.

    A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible but not imminent or occurring. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires, and to follow local fire restrictions. Updates are available at weather.gov/reno and livingwithfire.info.

  2. Aug 20, 2026, 2:07 p.m. ETFirst report

    Fire Weather Watch Issued for Surprise Valley, Eastern Lassen County, Northern Washoe County

    The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for August 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM PDT. The watch expires at 11:00 PM PDT on August 22. The watch covers Surprise Valley in California, Eastern Lassen County, and Northern Washoe County, according to the official alert.

    The watch was issued on August 20, 2026, and warns of conditions that could lead to rapid fire spread. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities that can cause sparks near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires, and to follow local fire restrictions. Updates are available at weather.gov/reno and livingwithfire.info.

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Revision history

  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 18:53current

    First published.

  2. Version 120 Aug 2026, 18:07current

    First published.

  3. Version 120 Aug 2026, 18:23current

    First published.

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