Truckee Fire marks record wildfire readiness gains, urges residents to take action for 2026 season
Measure T investments and community participation drive measurable progress in wildfire prevention across the Truckee Fire Protection District
TRUCKEE, Calif. (May 4, 2026) –Four years into Measure T implementation, Truckee Fire Protection District is reporting the most comprehensive wildfire readiness gains since the program began, including more than 67,000 cubic yards of combustible green waste removed, more than 33,000 defensible space inspections completed and 2,524 acres of fuel reduction and forest resilience work across the district. Strong neighborhood participation through Firewise Communities is helping reduce wildfire fuels and improve readiness before the 2026 fire season.
“Four years of Measure T investments have helped us build one of the most comprehensive wildfire prevention programs in the region, and we’re seeing that work show up in real numbers on the ground,” said Truckee Fire Chief Kevin McKechnie. “At the same time, the job isn’t done. We need every household to take advantage of these resources and keep the momentum going this season.”
Measurable progress and key milestones
Since 2022, Measure T-funded wildfire prevention programs have delivered the following results across the district:
More than 67,000 cubic yards of combustible green waste removed
More than 33,000 defensible space inspections completed across 16,580 unique properties
13,800+ pile pick-ups completed
2,524 acres of fuel reduction and forest resilience work accomplished
97 home hardening rebates awarded
1,417 green waste dumpster rebates issued
More than $3 million awarded for community wildfire preparedness
85% of homes in the district now part of active Firewise Communities
Through a stronger-together approach, Truckee Fire led a collaborative effort to leverage a $1 million local landowner cash match and secure a $7 million CAL FIRE Forest Health Grant, restoring and protecting more than 2,600 acres across Nevada and Placer counties.
“These milestones represent real on the ground workto better protect our community,” said Wildfire Prevention Manager Eric Horntvedt. “This season, we’re asking everyone who hasn’t yet engaged to take that first step –it makes a difference for the whole neighborhood.”
In recognition of National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and Wildfire Preparedness Week, Truckee Fire is calling on residents and visitors to take action ahead of the 2026 wildfire season by following the district’s Wildfire Readiness Checklist.
Clear five feet around all structures: Remove pine needles, leaves and debris, including under decks and stairs. Be sure to store woodpiles, gas cans and other combustibles at least 30 feet from your home. Rent a six-yard dumpster with 75% reimbursement through Truckee Fire’s Green Waste Dumpster Rebate Program.
Remove dead vegetation and manage live vegetation: Clear dry grasses, weeds, shrubs and dead trees, prune tree limbs at least 6 feet above the ground, and increase spacing between trees and shrubs. Use Truckee Fire’s free green waste curbside pick-up for shrubs, trees and branches up to 8 inches in diameter.
Make your address visible: Ensure house numbers are at least 4 inches tall and readable from the road. Request a free reflective address sign through Truckee Fire’s Reflective Address Sign Program.
Schedule a visit from Truckee Fire: Request a free, customized defensible space report with an easy-to-follow to-do list for defensible space and home hardening. It’s free, fast and provides a custom checklist to protect your home. Schedule at truckeefire.org/dspace.
Connect with neighbors: Share this information, sign up for emergency alerts at tahoealerts.com and download the Watch Duty app at watchduty.org.
Measure T programs available for 2026
Residents and property owners can access a suite of Measure T-funded programs designed to reduce wildfire risk and support long-term resilience. Key offerings include:
Green waste removal programs –free curbside pick-up (schedule at truckeefire.org/greenwaste), 75% dumpster rebates for 6-yard green waste dumpsters from Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal, and green waste drop-off days in Tahoe Donner (May 29, Sept. 4) and at the Rodeo Grounds (June 27, July 10).
Home hardening rebate program –50% back on eligible upgrades, up to $2,000, including hardscaping within 5 feet of the home, replacing wooden fences and gates with noncombustible options, and upgrading to 1/8-inch metal mesh vent screens or smaller, and more. Details at truckeefire.org/hardenyourhome.
Reflective address sign program –one free reflective address sign per property at community events or during a defensible space inspection.
Dead Tree Fund and defensible space assistance –up to 50% of dead tree removal costs reimbursed (maximum $2,000) with a current defensible space inspection required, plus assistance through partners SWEP and TTUSD for residents who need support (dspace@truckeefire.org).
Firewise Community support –reimbursement for up to four 30-yard dumpster rentals for Firewise workdays and monthly Firewise virtual office hours on the third Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m.For a full overview of Truckee Fire’s Measure T programs and resources, visit truckeefire.org/wildfireprevention.
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Photos for media use can be found here.
Photos courtesy of Truckee Fire Protection District.
About Truckee Fire
Truckee Fire Protection District was established in 1894 and is overseen by a locally elected board of directors. TFPD protects the lives, property and environment of residents and visitors to its 125-square-mile fire district in and around Truckee through fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention and wildfire preparedness.
About Measure T
Passed in 2021 by residents of Truckee and Donner Summit communities, Measure T established a dedicated local funding stream of $3.6 million annually for Truckee Fire Protection District, funding fuels reduction, home hardening rebates, defensible space inspections, free green waste removal, community wildfire prevention grants, reflective address signs, dead tree removal assistance and critical infrastructure fuels reduction.