The cities of Sparks and Reno, along with Washoe County, are inviting residents to an informational session about a study exploring whether regional fire services could be combined. The study will also look at integrating fire-based emergency medical services across the area.
Nevada Senate Bill 319, passed in 2025, requires a regional fire study board to examine the feasibility of consolidating Reno Fire, Sparks Fire, and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
The jurisdictions hired Emergency Global Solutions, or EGS, through a competitive process to conduct the study, which begins with a public informational meeting, which is taking place on Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Public Health Conference Room A/B, 1001 E. 9th Street Building B, Wells Avenue entrance.
Residents attending will meet EGS consultants and hear from TMFPD Chief Richard Edwards, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran, and Sparks Fire Chief Walt White. The study is expected to be completed this fall and is non-binding, serving only to inform local officials of potential benefits, drawbacks, and overall feasibility.
The 90-minute meeting will be held in person only but will be recorded and posted to YouTube the following day. Residents will have the chance to provide public comment toward the end of the session. Language translation and hearing-impaired support will be available through Wordly, and ASL interpretation can be requested in advance through Washoe311.
Following the meeting, a webpage with details and a survey will allow the public to follow the topic and share input.
