Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is lifting all fire restrictions and opening pile-burning season on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Residents in Sparks, Spanish Springs and Sun Valley with half-acre or larger parcels can burn yard debris through April 30, 2027, weather conditions permitting, according to a district announcement.
Kimberly Flores wrote in the announcement that increased moisture, higher relative humidity and shorter days prompted the district to lift restrictions. TMFPD warned that wildfire risk has not disappeared, particularly during periods of high winds.
What you need before you light a match
Pile burning is allowed only on parcels of 0.5 acre or larger. Before stacking any brush, residents must complete two steps.
First, obtain an approved 2026–2027 burn permit through Washoe County's online portal. Permits from previous burning seasons are not valid. The automated application system is available 24 hours a day and provides immediate approval or denial based on property location and parcel size.
Second, on the day of a planned burn, check the TMFPD website or call the burn hotline at 775-328-6000, option 1. A red flag displayed on the district's homepage means burning is prohibited that day. The district said burning privileges may be suspended or modified at any time based on weather conditions and fire danger.
TMFPD also sets limits on burn-pile size and placement. Piles must be at least 25 feet from structures and other combustible materials. Piles located more than 50 feet from a structure may be up to 4 feet in diameter and 6 feet high. Those between 25 and 50 feet from a structure are limited to 3 feet wide and 2 feet high.
Burn liability
Residents who burn are responsible for following all TMFPD pile-burning rules and maintaining control of their fires, the district said. Failing to follow proper procedures may result in liability for damages and fire suppression costs.
Under Nevada Revised Statute 474.550, "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."
Expect smoke, and know when to call 911
TMFPD said residents should expect to see smoke throughout the burning season. The district asked people to call 911 if they observe a clear fire threat, such as an unattended pile burn.
What doesn't need a permit
Recreational fires, cooking fires, ceremonial fires, agricultural fires, outdoor fireplaces, portable outdoor fireplaces and barbecue grills do not require a TMFPD burn permit, according to the district. A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire in a pit or ring no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height, burning materials other than rubbish.
The district also reminded residents to review any homeowners association restrictions that may apply to recreational fires.
Burn permit applications and daily burn-status updates are available on the TMFPD website.
