Reno, NV—The Reno Fire Department advises fall open burning by permit only will begin Friday, October 28 at 6:00 a.m.

Open burning of vegetative materials is allowed by permit only and during publicized open burn seasons. Individuals that already have a permit do not need to obtain a new permit.

The fall open burn season is anticipated to conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6 in accordance with Washoe County air quality standards and requirements. Please note the open burn period could close sooner, depending on weather conditions, fire officials say.

Open burning is not allowed on windy days, and is subject to local air quality controls by the Washoe County Health Department. Open burning may commence at 6:00 a.m., but fires must be extinguished by 2:00 p.m.

Burning of household refuse, trash, cardboard, rubber products, tires, plastic, petroleum, construction debris and other non-vegetative materials is prohibited.

The Reno Fire Department recommends the following safety procedures for open burning:
• Keep open burns at least 25 feet from structures or brush.
• Create a “firebreak” removing all combustible materials for at least 10-15-feet around the perimeter of the burn area.
• Burn only leaves, limbs, pine needles and other vegetative materials.
• Keep fires small and controllable.
• Maintain a rake, shovel and a connected and charged garden hose at the burn site.
• Never leave an open burn unattended.
• Do not use accelerants such as gasoline or lighter fluid to start burning.
• Keep children away from the burn area.
• Re-check the fire site for smoldering materials that could rekindle 30-60 minutes after extinguishing the burn pile.

The Reno Fire Department does suggest property owners consider non-burning techniques for vegetation management including composting and chipping vegetation.

For more information about obtaining a burn permit contact the Burn Permit Hotline at 775-328-3659 or visit www.reno.gov, select “Government,” then “Fire Department.”