AGC NEWS RELEASE
Forty members of the Nevada AGC Contractors Auxiliary have been deployed to the Caughlin Fire complex in west Reno which has burned more than 2,000 acres and damaged at least 20 homes.
Contractors Auxiliary spokesperson Dee Stueve said the heavy equipment includes a large loader and four water tankers which will help cut fuel break lines in an attempt to contain the wind-whipped fire which began early Friday morning in the foothills west of Reno and spread through homes in the area. Contractor Auxiliary members have also supplied more than 30 high intensity lighting units which will be deployed to help fire crews work through the evening.
“Contactors Auxiliary members are well-trained in these situations, working with public safety agencies on a regular basis,” Stueve said. “We are hopeful that our efforts can help stave the devastating fire that has hit our community hard.”
The Contractors Auxiliary was formed after the flooding in 1997. Local contractors became frustrated when they were not allowed into restricted areas to help others with the flood waters. The Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors then formed the Contractors Auxiliary to help n emergency situations, and working with the Sheriff’s office provide those willing to respond with the necessary authority to do so.
“This makes the equipment and expertise of the construction industry available to local government during natural disasters and other emergencies,” said Dave Backman, president of the Nevada Chapter AGC. “When the local government declares an emergency, members of the Contractors Auxiliary can be mobilized immediately.”
The Contractors Auxiliary offers equipment and labor to the local government only when it is needed. This helps cut down the cost on maintaining and owning equipment when it may only be used once or twice in a year. A strong relationship has been formed with the Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Sparks, Washoe County and the AGC representing local contractors who can offer expertise and skill.
About the AGC
The AGC and its 300 member firms represent nearly half of the Washoe County construction jobs. The Nevada Chapter AGC was formed in 1939 by a group of Nevadans intent on replacing the dangerous gravel roads in Northern Nevada with modern pavement. They evolved into the modern AGC, whose goal is to use skill, integrity and responsibility to build a better community.
AGC membership has been the first to step up to be a good neighbor. These services include:
• Donating labor and materials to local charity groups
• Donating dollars for University of Nevada scholarships since 1963, now more than $500,000
• Supporting the Academy for Career Education, the ACE Charter High School which provides construction education curriculum for Washoe County students.
• Providing disaster relief with equipment and manpower during times of flood and fire
The Nevada Chapter AGC has been active in national and regional construction issues including job site safety and worker health care, vocational education and recognizing the best in local building. For more information, log on to www.nevadaagc.org.
