Open burning season in Washoe County is over for the season. It started in March this year and is a popular way for residents in unincorporated Washoe County to clear dead vegetation and create defensible space around their homes - something that can make a big difference coming into wildfire season.
"We always encourage people to create at least 30 feet of clear space around their property," said Adam Mayberry with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. "That's going to go a long way to protect you from wildfire. And if  you live in more rural areas, that can increase to 50 feet, 75 feet, or even 100 feet depending on where you live and the kind of vegetation you have, but 30 feet should be the minimum."
Open burning could return in the fall, depending on the weather. Â
In the meantime, Truckee Meadows Fire wants to remind residents that any kind of open burning will not be allowed - and property owners could be held liable for any damage they cause due to illegal burning.
"You can be cited if we have to respond or the Washoe County Sheriff's Office responds," Mayberry said. "We had one the other day that started in one yard, got out of control and went into a neighboring yard. Fire crews had to kick down a fence to get access to the second yard and of course the property owner will be responsible for the property damage that was a result of that illegal burn."
Right now if you have yard waste you want to get rid of, there are a few options. Sparks and Washoe County customers can put out six extra bags every week in May, no stickers required. In Reno, customers will have to use those extra waste stickers for extra bags left curbside. Reno, Sparks and Washoe County customers all get four free trips to the transfer station every year.
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