FOLLOW-UP STATEMENT EAST YERINGTON AIR QUALITY ODOR INCIDENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yerington, Nevada – Lyon County Emergency Management and the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Protection District are providing an update regarding the temporary odor and air quality concerns reported on the evening of Dec. 5, 2025 in the East Yerington area.
Mason Valley Fire responded to a single medical report from a commercial delivery truck driver near Spence Lane and East Highway 95A, who experienced itchy eyes and a burning sensation in the lungs. The incident was immediately treated as a hazardous materials response. Fire personnel worked swiftly to identify the source of the odor, which was determined to be a sulfur-based agricultural product applied in a nearby field. This product can cause irritation—particularly for sensitive individuals in close proximity—but was not life-threatening. No additional medical calls for service related to the incident were received. Community members who experienced symptoms such as eye irritation, skin irritation, or respiratory discomfort are encouraged to consult with a medical professional.
The agricultural operator who applied the product responded promptly and took immediate steps to mitigate and reduce potential exposure to residents. Current information suggests that inversion and low wind conditions may have contributed to the temporary presence of the odor in the area.
All environmental impacts and regulatory oversight remain under the authority of the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP). Lyon County Emergency Management and Mason Valley Fire will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with the agricultural operator and NDEP as needed.
