GALENA Residents: Expect to see and smell smoke beginning Monday, February 8.

Reno, NV (Feb. 7, 2021). Galena residents can expect to see and smell smoke for a prescribed burn beginning Monday, February 8, weather and air quality permitting. The burning will last for a period of several day and will remain attended at all times, 24/7.

The burning of piles will take place off of Joy Lake Road. This particular terrain does not allow for mechanical access. There has been comprehensive planning and risk analysis prior to the implementation of this burn.

On-site will be 9-12 hand crew firefighters and a Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Fire Engine. It will be overseen by an experienced Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) Burn Boss along with a TMFPD burn boss to provide additional oversight. The burn’s risk is extremely low given the winter conditions and ground snow coverage.

Why a Prescribed Burn?

• Some fuels management (this site included) can only be accomplished with the use of prescribed fire. Other vegetation processing options (chipping/mastication) aren’t reasonable due to terrain.
• Due to the dry nature of the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada, decomposition is not an effective process to eliminate fuel. The ecosystems have evolved over millions of years reliant on fire to dispose of fuels.
• Given that the area has hydrants, good roads and access, and active HOAs in hazard mitigation; fuels reduction and disposal through piles is most effective to make the community more defensible for wildfire. Ultimately, these fuels will burn. The choice is whether it is on nature’s terms or ours.

Further questions can be directed to 775.326.6071.

Thank you for your cooperation and support and we work to reduce the fire threat in our communities.