The Reno Fire Department says it has been really busy lately working to take out wildfires in the area and it doesn't help that we have more heat on the way.
Since we are in the middle of wildfire season, the fire chief says they could really use the public's help.
"Now fires in reality are human caused. Now that doesn't mean that a human intentionally started it, but they did something that's avoidable like piling those oil rags in the corner, or you know it's camping season, people are dragging their trailers out, they have their safety chains on 100%, they need to be doing that, but if those chains drag on the ground, they can throw sparks," said Dave Cochran, RFD Chief.
Chief Cochran says one of the biggest threats is fireworks, which are illegal in this area.
He tells us fires can sometimes start instantaneously. In fact, recently Reno Fire had to put out two building fires in the area of Lakeside Drive.
Cochran says embers from the first fire caught the roof of a nearby house on fire.
Right now, RFD is fully staffed, but in order to look after public safety, while fighting fires in the heat, they have to prioritize their firefighters' health. To help, the department keeps medical rescue and rehabilitation units on scene.
"And then on top of all of that we take their vitals before they even leave the scene to make sure there's no abnormalities in their vital signs so that they're healthy and well when they leave the scene as well as when they first got there,"Â Cochran adds.
Cochran encourages everyone to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid heavy activities in the heat. Taking care of yourself avoids medical calls which then allows Reno Fire to focus on other emergencies.
