It's been an active fire season across the western half of the country, and fire weather conditions today are in place across the Great Basin and Northwest. The Gold Ranch wildfire in Nevada started on Sunday due to these conditions.

Numerous fires have been burning across the West in this year's above-average wildfire season. The Gold Ranch wildfire near Reno, Nev., began on Sunday and has since destroyed one home and threatened hundreds more.

Weather conditions that can encourage the spread of wildfire include gusty winds, low humidity, and dry thunderstorms that produce lightning. The WindRadar shows gusts up to 35 mph near the Reno, Nev., area today, which can aid in the spread of fire.

Lower air quality is also a result of wildfires. Smoke can even travel hundreds of miles away from a wildfire. Keep an eye on the air quality where you live with our air quality tool.