Fire Threat Remains High – Lightning in the Forecast this Week

Target shooting poses serious fire danger

Reno, Nev. July 9, 2018. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) wants citizens to be mindful of the continued threat of wildfires during these hot, dry, and windy days. The fire threat remains high, and the Truckee Meadows is anticipating a number of Red Flag days. 

“We strongly encourage our residents to refrain from any activity that could spark a wildfire, to include target shooting,” said Fire Chief Charles Moore.  Target shooting is the suspected cause of at least two brush fires that occurred over the weekend.

This week’s weather forecast calls for lightning strikes Wednesday through Friday.  “A majority of natural caused fires are triggered by lightning,” said Chief Moore. “Given our current weather conditions coupled by lightning strikes, we continue to ask our residents to be vigilant and report smoke by calling 911, and take prudent action to protect you and your loved ones from lightning strikes.”

If you hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.  Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.  Do not go under trees for shelter.  There is no place outside that is safe during a thunder and lightning storm.

As a reminder, open burning season is over.  It is strictly prohibited to burn debris, dry or dead vegetation, or any combustible material.  There are no exceptions, and permits are not being issued for any pile burnings in the Truckee Meadows area.  “We continue to respond to calls to smoke and brushfires are caused from illegal burning,” said Chief Moore. 

While green waste is not being collected by TMFPD, the agency will offer another green waste collection day for property owners to create defensible space this fall.  This will offer an opportunity for residents to dispose of dry and dead vegetation, shrubs, tree branches, and other wildland fuels.  As an alternative, TMFPD encourages residents to use the Waste Management Landfill to dispose of these items.

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