Prepare so you don’t need to protect.

Fires are forces of destruction that can take down acres upon acres of gorgeous forests, and each summer, we see this happen. The King Fire of 2014 and the Washington Fire of 2015 can serve as examples of what can happen to a gorgeous amount of forest when a fire strikes. Living among the Galena Forest and the Mount Rose wilderness, it is imperative that we do everything we can to prepare our homes and neighborhoods so as to prevent possible forest fires.

This summer, take necessary steps to help prepare your home and family so we can all try to prevent such tragedy from striking. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD), made up of the Fire Marshal and the Fire Prevention Specialist, provide services for the community that aid in the preparation and prevention of house and wild fires.

In arid conditions, a small spark can destroy acres and acres of forest. Do your part to prevent this from happening.

Open Burning

Open burning is officially closed for the 2015 Season and is no longer allowed within the TMFPD. Call 775.326.6006 in the fall to see if open burns will be allowed for the fall season.

Red Flag Warnings

• Alert fire agencies about weather that can cause a wildfire to spread before first responders can attempt containment
• Only issued for areas where grass, bushes and trees are dry enough to rapidly spread fire
• Issued when strong winds and dry conditions are present
• Issued when thunder and lightning storms with minimal precipitation are expected within a couple of days
• Create a family emergency plan with a fast and safe evacuation procedure in case fire strikes

• How to help:

  • Create defensible space around your house
  • During Red Flag days, avoid outdoor activities that may spur a wildfire (i.e fireworks, unattended campfires, etc.)
  • Avoid outdoor target shooting, mowing dry grass, weed whacking, using chainsaw, welding outdoors
  • Avoid driving on dry grass
  • Make sure trailer hitches and chains are properly stowed so they are off of the ground

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives (over half of all home-fire deaths occur between 11 pm and 7 am). Take these steps to ensure your home and family are safe:

• Have a smoke alarm in every bedroom
• Have a smoke alarm in every area between rooms (i.e hallways)
• Have a smoke alarm on every level of the home (including the basement)
• Test your smoke alarms every month
• If your smoke alarm goes off, go outside and stay outside
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

Grilling Outdoors

June and July are the peak months for grill fires, so advocate safety this summer when grilling on a charcoal or gas grill. Here are some summer safety grilling tips that will aid in the prevention of grill fires:

• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors
• If you live in an apartment, charcoal grills are prohibited
• Children and pets must stay at least three feet away from the grill
• Remove grease and fat buildup from the grill and in trays below
• Before lighting your grill, always make sure that your gas grill lid is open
• When using charcoal: allow charcoal to cool, place in a metal container, soak in water, check on them again, then dispose of them

Public Education

The TMFPD offers services such as Community Risk Reduction Programs as public education to it’s residents, as long as the request is made at least 21 days before the requested program date. Call the Prevention Division with questions, 775.326.6006. The TMFPD can also assist residents with creating defensible space, as long as the requirements of Washoe County Code 60 are met.

For questions or concerns, visit TMFPD’s website, or call 775.326.6000. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

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For real estate inquiries, stop by the beautiful Montrêux Welcome Center at 16475 Bordeaux Dr. in Reno, NV or call us at 775.849.9444. The Welcome Center is open 7 days a week, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.