The City of Reno and the Reno Fire Department joined forces Thursday to talk about wildfire preparedness.
Chief Dave Cochran, with the Reno Fire Department, says that over the last couple of months the Reno Fire Department has been getting ready for a busy wildfire season, even though they always say wildfire season is year-round.
"We want people to take this message to heart now because the risk is higher into the summer, but the risk is year-round. and the message of being prepared and being ready for wildfires is a year-round message."
During the meeting, they touched on topics such as checking your smoke detectors, staying prepared for a fire, making a kit in case of emergency, and staying informed, for example, by watching 2 News Nevada to get up-to-date information on fires while they're happening.
Councilwoman Brandi Anderson, with the City of Reno, says, "Many of us remember in September of 2024 we had a huge fire, the Davis Fire, and it was a harsh reminder of how quickly conditions can get out of control. And it's our opportunity to remind ourselves that right now while we're preparing for wildfire season is how we get those conditions addressed."
They say maintaining your property and creating defensible space is a huge help to keep your home and family safe from a fire that breaks out. It's also not a bad idea to help a neighbor clean their space too if they need help, because in the end it also benefits you.
Talina Sky, the fire inspector with the Reno Fire Department, explains, "Defensible space is that buffer zone around your home where you can mitigate vegetation. You don't necessarily need to remove it all, but there are steps that you can take to reduce some of it, and having that reduced vegetation will reduce the spread of fire around your home, but it also provides room for our firefighters to be able to defend your home if there is a wildfire."
Once you have defensible space, you should check on home hardening.
Home hardening can be things like checking on your vents and gutters and clearing your roof, which all contribute to protecting your home from a fire.
After this step, you should also create a go-bag.
Councilwoman Anderson says, "It's important for all of us in every household to prepare a go-bag for if there is an incident and we're threatened and potentially have to be evacuated. Make sure you have your medicine, your documents, your ability to identify your property, your pets, and your address."
This year the Reno Fire Department has also launched their green waste program to encourage more people to create defensible space by having the tools to do so.
They told us May 2nd is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, which is a great time to bring up that neighborhoods can become fire-wise communities through the Reno Fire Department if they're interested. They offer resources about defensible space; they give free defensible space inspections, and that includes their green waste dumpster program. If you're interested in being fire-wise, we have a link here.
Fire Inspector Sky mentions, "The most important message is to be prepared. We have so many tools out there; we're here; we're willing to help, but the most important thing is residents are prepared and educated."
