Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue introduces Wildland Fuels Reduction Crew

Media Availability to learn more new fire division

Reno, Nev. June 15, 2020.  The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) has launched a new fuels reduction division.  The wildland fuels reduction team consists of 5 wildland firefighters and a Division Chief who are tasked with clearing targeted areas that present a significant threat to wildfires.  Currently, priority areas consist of clearing hazardous wildland fuels that rest under power lines. 

The Fire District is hosting an opportunity to talk with the new Division Chief of Wildland and learn more on how the District is working to reduce the threat of wildfires, and how residents can participate.

WHAT: Media availability and opportunity for interview and video on the team performing wildland fuel mitigation

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: TMFPD Fire Station 30, 3905 Old Hwy 395 (Washoe Valley)

Working in partnership with NV Energy who is paying for wildland fuel reductions around their utilities, the team ensures a minimum clearance of ten feet radius around each pole, increasing to 30 feet, depending on the type of line.  Fuels are either reduced to a 1-inch height or bare mineral soil.

“We appreciate the public-private partnership with NV Energy as we work towards measures to reduce the wildfire threat in Washoe County,” said TMFPD Fire Chief Charles Moore.  “The only way to mitigate the damage wildfires cause is through prevention and preparation.”

The fuels reduction team is also a critical resource to support the Fire District and regional fire partners in wildfire suppression operations.  Additionally, as the program expands, the crew can address residential projects to reduce the fire threat if certain criteria are met.