Truckee Fire urges residents to reserve curbside green waste pickup by Oct. 11

Measure T-funded programs help property owners reduce wildfire risk as dry conditions can continue into fall

Wildfire risk does not end with summer. As conditions transition into fall, Truckee Fire Protection District is encouraging residents and property owners to complete wildfire-prevention work around their homes and take advantage of Measure T-funded assistance programs while they remain available.

Residents have until Oct. 11 to reserve free curbside green-waste pickup through Truckee Fire’s seasonal program. The service helps residents remove branches, brush and other vegetative debris that can contribute to wildfire spread around homes and throughout neighborhoods.

“Fall is an important window to remove combustible vegetation, address vulnerable areas around the home and prepare for peak fire season,” said Eric Horntvedt, Wildfire Prevention Manager for Truckee Fire Protection District. “The green-waste pickup deadline is Oct. 11, so get out there, prepare your home, and make your final pick-up request today!”

Take action before winter

In addition to curbside green-waste pickup, Truckee Fire offers several Measure T-funded programs to help residents reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness:

  • Green waste removal: Reserve free curbside green-waste pickup by Oct. 11 at truckeefire.org/greenwaste.

  • Residents may also receive a 75% rebate for a six-yard green-waste dumpster from Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal.

  • Defensible-space inspections: Schedule a free, customized property evaluation and receive an easy-to-follow to-do list for reducing wildfire risk around the home. Learn more or request an inspection at truckeefire.org/dspace.

  • Home-hardening rebates: Receive 50% reimbursement, up to $2,000, for eligible upgrades that help reduce a home’s vulnerability to embers and wildfire. Eligible improvements include hardscaping within five feet of the home, replacing wood fences and gates with noncombustible options, and installing metal vent screens with openings of one-eighth inch or smaller. Details are available at truckeefire.org/hardenyourhome.

  • Dead Tree Fund: Eligible owner-occupied, single-family primary residences may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of dead-tree removal costs, up to $2,000. A current defensible-space inspection must identify the eligible tree or trees. View program guidelines.

  • Reflective address signs: Residents can receive one free reflective address sign per property at community events or during a defensible-space inspection.

Stay prepared through fall

Truckee Fire reminds residents that dry conditions, wind and accumulated vegetation can continue to create wildfire concerns after summer. Residents are encouraged to keep emergency go bags current, maintain defensible space, ensure their address is visible from the road and stay informed through local emergency-alert systems.

Register for Ready Nevada County emergency alerts (residents of Placer County can register for PlacerAlert) and download the Watch Duty app for wildfire and incident information. Residents can also find evacuation-zone and preparedness resources through the Town of Truckee and Nevada County.

For a full overview of Truckee Fire’s Measure T-funded wildfire-prevention programs and resources, visit truckeefire.org/wildfireprevention.

Ryan Ochoa