Fire Restrictions Lifted and Open Burning Season Begins on November 1

TMFR Lifts all Fire Restrictions and Announces Start of Open Burning Season Beginning November 1

WASHOE COUNTY, NV. (October 29, 2026) – Due to increased moisture, higher relative humidity and shorter days, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is lifting all fire restrictions effective November 1, 2026. The District will also begin its open burning season on November 1, continuing through April 30, 2027, weather conditions permitting.

Open burning, also known as pile burning, involves burning cut and stacked vegetation to reduce combustible fuels, creating defensible space around properties.

While conditions have improved, residents are reminded that wildfire risk remains, particularly during periods of high winds. Residents should continue to exercise caution and follow all burn permit requirements and designated burn day restrictions throughout the season.

Residents should expect to see smoke throughout the open burning season. Call 9-1-1 if you observe a clear fire threat, such as an unattended pile burn.   

Burn Permit Requirements

Pile burning is permitted only on properties with parcels 0.5 acre or larger. Residents must meet the following requirements before burning:

1. Obtain an approved 2026–2027 burn permit. Permits from previous years are not valid.
2. Confirm that TMFPD has designated the day as a permissible burn day.
3. Open Burning should be conducted at least 25 feet from any structure or other combustible materials.

• Open burning beyond 50 feet from a structure is limited to piles four (4) feet in diameter by six (6) feet high.
• Burn piles between 25 and 50 feet from a structure are permissible but limited to three (3) feet wide by two (2) feet high.
• Pile burning must be at least 25 feet from any structure.

The automated burn permit application is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants will receive immediate approval or denial based on their property location and parcel size.

Before burning, residents must check www.tmfpd.us or call the burn hotline at 775-328-6000, option 1, to confirm whether burning is permitted that day. A red flag displayed on the District’s homepage indicates that burning is prohibited.

Burning privileges may be suspended or modified at any time based on weather conditions and fire danger.

Safety and Liability

Residents are responsible for following all TMFPD pile burning rules and regulations and maintaining control of their fires. Failure to follow proper burning procedures may result in liability for damages and fire suppression costs.

Nevada Revised Statute 474.550 provides that:

“Any person, firm, association, or agency which willfully or negligently causes a fire may be charged with the expenses incurred in extinguishing the fire or meeting the emergency and the cost of necessary patrol.”

Fires That Do Not Require a TMFPD Burn Permit

A TMFPD burn permit is not required for recreational fires, cooking or ceremonial fires, agricultural fires, outdoor fireplaces, portable outdoor fireplaces, or barbecue grills, subject to applicable regulations.

A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire contained within a fire pit or ring measuring no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height, where materials other than rubbish are burned.

Residents should also review any applicable homeowners association (HOA) restrictions regarding recreational fires.

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