RENO -- Fire officials issued a reminder yesterday that the period for opening burning of vegetative materials within areas protected by the Reno Fire Department and Sierra Fire Protection District remain closed due to dry conditions.  

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

Burning is only allowed with a permit and during publicized open burn seasons. The open burn season generally begins March 1, when conditions allow, and continues through the declaration of fire season.

If weather and fuel conditions permit, a short open burning period may be allowed later this spring. Washoe County District Health Department Air Quality Regulations prohibit burning from November 1 through March 1.

For more information about obtaining a burn permit contact the Reno Fire Department’s Burn Permit Hotline at 328-3659 or visit www.reno.gov and select “Fire Department” from the Department drop-down menu. Information regarding open burning in the Sierra Fire Protection District can be obtained by calling 849-1108 extension 5 or by emailing SierraFireBurnPermit@WashoeCounty.US.