CITY OF RENO NEWS RELEASE
As emergency calls increase to Reno’s Emergency Communications regarding wildland fires, dispatchers recommend six easy steps to report the fire.
1. Call 9-1-1
2. Advise where the fire is located. If there is no address, identify a landmark. Name cross streets close to the fire. Explain the type of terrain: side of a hill, in a ravine, open area or in a forest. Be as detailed as possible on the location.
3. Give the approximate size of the fire. Provide details on the size by using comparisons such as a car or football field.
4. Is it close to or burning any structures? Note any structures in the area, and tell the dispatcher how far away the structures are from the fire.
5. Advise if you see any fire units already on the scene.
6. Provide details if you saw how the fire started. Be able to describe who or what you saw in the area of the fire.
In 2010, Reno ECOMM had more 400,000 calls come into the dispatch center. A total of 95 percent of the incoming 9-1-1 calls were answered within 10 seconds.
Reno ECOMM dispatches for the Reno Fire Department, Sierra Fire Protection District, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office North, University of Nevada Reno Police Department, Truckee Meadows Community College Police Department, Reno Marshalls and Washoe County Alternative Sentencing.
