Protect home, neighborhood from fire

Although fire season has been in effect since June 22, firefighters are still responding to burn barrels and pile burns which are being set illegally.

As fires race across the West, many of which are burning in Nevada, the Central Lyon County Fire District reminds residents open burning of any kind is not allowed during fire season.

"If you're burning in your burn barrel during fire season, you're not only burning illegally, you're taking a chance of setting your house, your neighbor's house and your neighborhood on fire. It's hot, it's dry and it's been very windy, said John Gillenwater, chief of the fire district.

"We're in an extreme fire situation right now, and to be burning in a burn barrel or in your back yard does not make sense. I'm asking you, as fire chief of this district, to please stop."

Residents are also reminded that clearing combustibles including brush and weeds at least 30 feet around a home will help a home survive a wildfire.

Fire Prevention Specialist Mary Ellen Holly said residents should "keep your roofs clean, don't keep combustible materials under your decks or porches, store your firewood away from your house and create fuel breaks with gravel, walkways or lawns.

"Make sure you have at least two exits from inside your home and from your property. And please, make sure that your smoke alarms are in good working order," she said.

Residents who have questions regarding fire season or developing a survivable space around their homes can call the district office at 246-6209.