While lightning strikes account for many wildfires in our region, most fires are caused by people. In an effort to reduce the number of wildland fires, below are some common ways fires are started.
Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal in Reno and Washoe County but still account for many fires every summer.
Possession or use of fireworks can result in:
- Misdemeanor charges
- Fines
- Up to six months in jail
- Offenders may also be held responsible for the cost of fighting the fire as well as any property damage
Anyone wishing to dispose of fireworks can contact the Division of Fire Prevention at 775-334-2300 to have them picked up, or may drop them off at any fire station.
Shooting Safety
Fires are started due to illegal target shooting every year.
- Target shooting is prohibited on our region’s federal lands due to the high fire danger.
- Target shooting is only allowed in designated shooting ranges and shooting within the City limits of Reno is illegal.
- The use of exploding targets or tracer rounds in the city of Reno, Sparks, and federal lands are prohibited.
Equipment Use
Practice vehicle safety.
Vehicles and power machinery can cause wildfires from overheated equipment, exhaust particles, fuel leaks and friction from motor parts.
- Don’t drive over dried brush and grass.
- Make sure engines are maintained to avoid equipment failure that would produce extensive heat or sparks.
- Maintain proper tire pressure to avoid blowouts and make sure brake pads are not worn out as friction from metal-to-metal contact may create sparks.
- Practice safe towing.
- Use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains so they don’t drag.
Smoking
The National Fire Protection Association reports that smoking materials started 47% of the brush or grass fires.
Flicking a cigarette butt on the ground or out of a moving car can easily catch the dry vegetation on fire.
Grill Safety
An outdoor grill in a bad location can easily cause a fire and damage, destroy your property or threaten loved ones.
It is recommended to have at least 10 feet of space between the grill and the house or trees and vegetation.
- Be sure to pour water over coals or ash before disposing of them to make sure the fire is out.
- Always check your grill before starting it to make sure the connection between the propane tank and fuel line are clear with nothing flammable on the burners.
- If your grill flares up, close the lid. This will cut oxygen to the fire and help extinguish it.
Campfires
- Only build a campfire in designated campgrounds or use authorized fire pits away from dry vegetation, trees, bushes or ground cover that could catch fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended or allow it to get out of control
- Be sure to have something nearby that you can use to extinguish a fire
- Always put the fire out before you leave by pouring water over the fire area and spreading dirt on top to ensure that there are no hot embers left behind.
Power lines
There are several potential hazards that may come in contact with a power line and start a fire. Here are a few ways you can prevent a power line fire:
- Check to make sure your trees do not have any loose tree limbs
- Do not release balloons or other flying debris
- Keep loose items tied down
- Realize that even birds or squirrels can come in contact with a power line
- Our strong winds can also cause power lines to come together, creating sparks and a hot metal globule that can fall to the ground and spark a fire
Call NV Energy immediately if you see any potential hazards that may come in contact with the line or damage to the power poles or insulators.
Arson
Wildland arsons account for 20% of brush fires that have been set intentionally.
- Most arsons happen during the daytime
- Reasons include vandalism, crime concealment, extremism, profit, excitement or revenge
- An arsonist typically looks for opportunity such as areas with dead and dying brush, trash or abandoned furniture.
If you see someone leaving the scene of a fire, capture as much information about the subject and immediately pass it on to law enforcement or a fire official.
Children Playing with Fire
Children under 12 playing with fire, usually out of curiosity, is the main cause. These cases usually involve more than one child and occur around residences, schools, playgrounds and makeshift campsites.
Always supervise your children and keep make sure they do not have access to matches or lighters.
Spontaneous Ignition
Examples of materials that are prone to spontaneous combustion are oily rags, hay and other agricultural products.
To safely dispose of oils and oily rags:
- Preferably use a metal can or container with a tight fitting lid
- Place dirty and used rags inside
- Fill the rest of the container with a mixture of water and soap
- Seal the top shut and do not open it. This will prevent the oils from oxidizing, and keep the rags from heating up and igniting.
Another alternative for oily rags:
- Spread them out individually on a concrete slab away from any combustibles and let them dry
- Once fully dried (about 24 hours in our climate), the rag will become hard, brittle and will no longer be in danger of spontaneous ignition.
- It can then be disposed of with regular trash.
For information on how to dispose of hazardous materials, visit the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful website.
