Reno Fire Department: Help Prevent Wildfires On Public Lands

Press release from the City of Reno:

September 16, 2020

As the smoke from the California fires continues to negatively impact our region's air quality, the Reno Fire Department (RFD) would like to remind everyone to take extra precautions against unintended wildfires in our area that threaten lives, property and our precious limited resources.

Critical fire weather is predicted for Thursday and Friday as strong winds and very low humidity hit our region. We need the community's help more than ever to keep Nevadans safe, so please do your part to prevent human-caused wildfires.

Please follow these safety tips:

• Be aware of local public safety area closures, and be careful with anything that could start a fire.
• Maintain your mechanical equipment. Many human-caused wildfires occur near roadways, posing considerable public safety threats. Carry a fire extinguisher, and know how to use it.
• If towing a boat or trailer, ensure your safety chains are properly secure and not dragging on the ground.
• Never park your vehicle over dead and drying vegetation, and avoid driving through tall grass—your vehicle can ignite the fuels and start a fire.
• Currently, campfires are prohibited on state and federal public lands in Nevada. Campfires and cooking fires are also prohibited in most California campgrounds that border our region.
• If target shooting, make sure it is allowed where you plan on shooting. Currently target shooting is not allowed within the City of Reno limits unless at an approved range. Exploding targets and tracer ammunition are prohibited for use on all public lands in Washoe County.
• Cooking fires are allowed within the City of Reno limits as long as performed safely. If using an outdoor grill, make sure the grill is placed at least 10 feet away from combustibles, and cooking is always attended with access to water or a fire extinguisher.
• If outside the City of Reno limits and within Washoe County, charcoal briquettes, propane fire pits, and outdoor wood fires are prohibited. Only residential use of propane barbecues is allowed.

More information is available in this RFD PSA video and on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed are the author's own.