The Reno and Sparks Fire Departments are working together after a string of fires that might involve some NV Energy smart meters.
The fire chiefs are now asking the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to investigate whether these smart meters can be a safety hazard.
"We haven't been definitively able to determine the cause of these fires, but it is a pattern and we'd like some answers,” says Chief Tom Garrison of the Sparks Fire Department.
Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez added, “We actually brought in a forensics expert that examined the several meters not only for the City of Reno, but the City of Sparks.”
There have been nine fires since 2012 in Reno and Sparks that officials say may be linked to the smart meters.
According to reports we got from Reno Fire, Oracle Forensics found that it is probable that a few of the meters failed and caused fires.
Those fires were contained outside.
Other cases are still inconclusive including one fire on Rhinestone Court back in July that killed a woman.
NV Energy submitted reports to officials that show that particular meter was still working and sending data even after 911 calls were made.
"Our meter was still actually functioning at that time and continued to receive information from the meter almost a minute after the 911 call came in," said Mary Simmons, Vice President of Business Development and Community Strategy with NV Energy.
They're urging everyone to not be concerned and are continuing to look into the matter.
“We continue to monitor anything that's been reported to us," Simmons said. "We investigate, we follow up on other companies using meters and we've been fully-cooperative with the fire departments and the state fire marshal and the PUCN."
Officials say if you see smoke or sparks coming from a meter or electrical panel, call 911 immediately.
