It might not be what you typically think of as fire season, but firefighters are on alert after the Poeville Fire broke out on Peavine Mountain this weekend. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is asking people to make some changes to reduce the risk of more fires. The dryness and the lack of snow is the problem right now. Moisture from snow usually has an effect on fires during winter. But that wasn't the case this weekend for the Poeville Fire. The flames moved right through the patches of snow.
The flames are stark reminders to not just firefighters, but the public as well. “Wildfire can happen any time. It is not a seasonal thing. It is a year-round issue with wildfire,” said Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Communications Manager Adam Mayberry.
Fire raced through the landscape during the fire. “The fire was active burning really well. It actually burned through snow patches on the ground,” said Sam Hicks from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. “We have a lot of high dry grasses and sage that are extremely combustible at this time. Conditions remain very dry despite it being winter and cold. The wildfire threat remains high,” said Mayberry.
TMFPD says the weather this year has made grass fuel a real threat to people's safety. “Reality is we haven't had a lot of precipitation or snow,” said Mayberry.
The best way to deal with this issue is to get the word out. “It’s very important that everybody remain very mindful and vigilant. Avoid those outdoor activities that could start a fire. That includes target shooting. It includes campfires. It includes things as simple as just tossing smoking materials outside of moving vehicles. It even includes off-road driving or engaging in open pile burning,” said Mayberry.
People can also help by clearing all the branches, leaves, and garbage from their property. “Well it’s really about creating a defensible space around your property. Making it safer. Reducing the threat of wildfire around your property. Keeping our firefighters safe when they have to respond to a wildfire,” said Mayberry.
Disposing of your ashes from stoves and chimneys properly can also help prevent unnecessary fires. “Put all of those ashes into a metal container, pour water in there, stir it up, and allowing it to set for at least 48 hours. Then you can dispose of it,” said Mayberry.
The fire protection district is not allowing open burning right now because of the conditions caused by the weather.
