The City of Reno wants your input on how to better protect your neighborhood from wildfires.
Talina Sky, Reno Fire inspector, says, "When it comes to public involvement it's just how crucial it really is that we have input from our community on their values and concerns potentially when it comes to wildfires."
Reno has had the same Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the past 20 years, and officials say it’s time for an update.
Sophie Butler, environmental planner, says, "We live in a rapidly growing community in Reno and Washoe County where there are many communities that didn't exist 20 years ago and there are many communities that are not currently present but will be present five years from now."
Butler says ideally a region should update its wildfire prevention plan every five years.
She says the city won’t be able to identify every risk or safety concern near homes without input from residents. After the meeting, the city and Reno Fire will use all the feedback in their risk assessment.
"Where the highest areas of risk are, recommend areas for hazardous fuels treatment, and then also prioritize projects for grant funding," Butler explains.
She adds that grant funding is a major resource the wildfire prevention plan helps unlock.
Reno Fire will also be available to answer questions about preparedness, such as what to pack in go-bags and how to create defensible space around homes.
Sky says, "There's a lot that residents can do with their home, taking that initiative to do defensible space and home hardening can be really crucial."
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, at Reno City Hall in the council chambers from 6 to 8 p.m.
If you can't attend in person, you can also fill out an online survey.
