So far this year, residents in rural Washoe County have been able to burn their yard waste the first week of each month, as long as the weather cooperates. Burning dead vegetation is a way to help create defensible space. But Truckee Meadows Fire has seen its share of illegal burns this season.
"We have responded to countless bonfires, campfires, pile burns that are illegal and have gotten away from the residents," said Adam Mayberry with Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. "Those have sparked small fires that we've had to respond to and that presents a threat to their structure and to the neighborhood in which they live."
In Washoe County, open burning is only open to residents that live on larger sized lots. You have to check the burn code every day and get a burn permit to do this legally. It's been a much drier winter than last year, and that's raised some concerns about burning in general, and the upcoming wildfire season. Fire crews have been dealing with wildfires all winter long and say it's a reminder to be careful with anything that could cause a spark.
"A few weeks ago we had a brush fire on Peavine that took out more than 60 acres due to target shooting," Mayberry said. "So it's important if people are going to be outside engaging in things that start fires whether its target shooting, four-wheeling, it's important to have water nearby, hand tools, and a fire extinguisher in case you spark that fire."
For that live on smaller lots, or in the city, there are other options to clear out dead leaves and brush around your home.
"Some of the alternatives are to take that green waste to the landfill, or to the Waste Management dump," Mayberry said. "Certainly you can dispose of it during your trash days incrementally each week."
Truckee Meadows Fire is also considering more green waste collections this Spring. As for this month, they're taking it day by day.
More green waste options: https://ktmb.org/recycle/
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