Due to record levels of dryness and extreme fire conditions which maximize the potential for catastrophic fire, the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) still has restrictions in place for any and all open burning in Washoe County for the fall season.
“Fuel moistures in the area still present a significant danger for the ignition and spread of a wildland fire,” said TMFPD Fire Chief Charles A. Moore. “At this time, we are unable to lift the ban on open burning.”
Chief Moore also said the TMFPD understands that burning has not been allowed within the last year and supports the efforts of the residents to mitigate their yard debris and hazards through the process of open burning. The District hopes to be able to permit open burning to help the residents mitigate fire hazards when the weather and conditions allow. TMFPD will make public notification when open burning may be an option again.
The Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and the Nevada Division of Forestry lifted fire restrictions in western Nevada as of October 12, 2012. The lifting of these restrictions only applies to those areas specifically, and is not in effect for private lands within the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Should there be a large amount of moisture within the District in the next few weeks, TMFPD hopes to lift the ban. However this is not the case currently. Any changes to the fire restrictions will be posted on the Washoe County website atwww.washoecounty.us or by voicemail at (775) 326-6000 and will be posted in a media release to the public.
