Chief Moore encourages citizens to use Free Ash Can Program to help prevent fires

Improper disposal of ash and oily rags have caused four house fires the past few months.

Reno, Nevada. Aug. 18, 2015. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Chief Charlie Moore said improper disposal of ash and oily rags have caused at least four structure fires in the past few months. Moore said using a container, similar to what the District offers for free, could have prevented the fires and substantial damage to the homes. Moore told the Fire Board the District will purchase 200 additional cans and distribute them within the next month or so for the upcoming heating and fireplace season. He said they are going to focus on distributing them to Washoe County seniors and then to the rest of the public.

“We want to heighten awareness through our Free Ash Can Program. Disposing of ash and cotton rags soaked with staining oils can be dangerous. Citizens need to know how these fires start in order to prevent a more serious fire in this very dry period of the summer,” said Moore.

Commissioner Vaughn Hartung said this program will go a long way in keeping people safe.

“I, myself, have had to dispose of oily rags in my garage and know the importance of a program such as this firsthand,” said Commissioner Hartung, Dist. 4. “I appreciate your efforts, Chief. This program could save homes and lives.”

In other news, the Truckee Meadows Professional Firefighters Local 3895 hosted the second annual TMFPD Kids Fire Camp this past June at Camp WeChMe. Captain Chris Black gave the Fire Board a presentation about Kids Fire Camp calling it a sweeping success.

“We teach kids ages 11 to 14 CPR awareness, water safety, back country survival, firefighting and rescue techniques,” said Capt. Black. “The camp graduated 38 kids in this year’s event and I want to thank each of them for attending, having fun and working hard.”

The Board of Fire Commissioners watched a video produced by Washoe County Television, featuring the Kids Fire Camp. Watch the video here.

Chief Moore introduced seven new employees to the Fire Board who were recently hired by the District. Six of the new employees are additional paramedic firefighters and one is an account clerk. The new paramedic firefighters help the District maintain its staffing and advanced life support service levels throughout the District. The District’s account clerk now makes it possible for the District to keep all of its accounting functions in house.

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