Approved Pile Burning to Commence March 1

Pile burning to open, weather permitting.

Reno, Nev. February 27, 2019.  Beginning March 1, residents who reside in the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) will be allowed to pile burn green waste with an approved burn permit, weather permitting. Pile burns refers to the burning of cut and stacked vegetation, which is a useful method to reduce combustible vegetation, as well as to allow for property maintenance and agricultural activities. 

“Given the high volume of snowfall and moisture this winter, we want to take the opportunity now and allow our residents to reduce their threat of wildfire,” said TMFPD Fire Chief Charles Moore.  “Conditions are such that pile burning is safe given proper precautions.”  Open burning will be allowed as long as conditions permit, and could change at any time.

Pile burning is only allowed on properties ½ acre in size or larger, and that reside outside the Truckee Meadows Hydrographic Basin

In order to burn, residents must file a 2019 Burn Permit online with TMFPD, or at the Fire District’s Administrative Office, 1001 E. 9^th Street, Building D-231, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Before burning, call the Fire District burn hotline at 326-6000 to determine whether or not it is a permissible burn day.  If the burn hotline states it is not a permissible burn day, burning will not be allowed under any circumstances.

Residents must be aware of rules and regulations to burn in the Truckee Meadows to include:

• Burn hours are sunrise to 2:00 p.m.
• Do not burn when winds exceed 10 miles per hour.
• The edge of the fire shall be a minimum of 50 ft. from any structure. 
  • Burning can occur with a minimum of 25 ft. from any structure; however, the pile must be limited in size to 3 ft. wide, 2 ft. high.
• Keep water or a fire extinguisher close by, along with hand tools to bury the fire when complete.

Annual burn permits are no longer valid.  Call 775.328.6000, option 3 for more information, or email info@tmfpd.us.

Questions for Washoe County Air Quality Management Division can be directed to: 775.784.7200

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