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Contact UsReno, NV. November 20 – Improper ash disposal causes thousands of fires every year, including the Washoe Drive Fire a decade ago in 2012. With the continued use of wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, along with increased use of outdoor fire pits, the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is providing fire-safe containers, in exchange for non-perishable food items or a monetary donation to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada for those in need this holiday season. The cans can also be used to store rags that have been used for painting, varnishing, or staining and prevent spontaneous combustion.
Beginning Wednesday, November 29 through Friday, December 1 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to Noon (no exceptions) and WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, Washoe County residents can visit the District’s administrative office at 3663 Barron Way, Reno to pick up a fire-safe container and instructions on use. No containers will be reserved.
The Fire District only has 200 cans for distribution. The Fire District cannot deliver the containers. Containers are limited to one per household and one per person. Citizens can also purchase containers at local retailers.
The Fire District encourages all Washoe County residents to be equipped with a fire-safe container which can reduce the threat of fires and substantial damage to homes. Since the program’s inception, the Fire District has seen a decline in the number of fires related to the improper disposal of fireplace ash and oily rags.
“Whether it is heating homes, or barbequing with charcoal briquets, it is important that our residents take prudent fire prevention measures, including disposing ashes properly using a fire-safe container,” said Fire Chief Charles Moore. Even after several days, a pile of ashes can hold enough heat to reignite and start a fire. Three days is the minimum recommended cooling period for ashes. Extra care should be used in the storage and final disposal. TMFPD produced a short video to learn more on ash disposal using a fire-safe container.
MOST NEEDED FOOD ITEMS according to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada:
Access to nutritious food is vital for our neighbors who face hunger, and we ask that those donating food choose the most nutritious items available whenever possible.
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