A public input portal is now available for residents to learn about the Regional Fire and EMS Services Study and to participate in a survey on how they think those services should be provided.
Nevada Senate Bill 319, passed in 2025, mandates a regional fire study board to research the viability of consolidating Reno Fire, Sparks Fire, and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District – generally comprising the urban and adjacent areas of Washoe County, excluding North Lake Tahoe and Gerlach.
The Study Board includes representatives from each participating jurisdiction and is responsible for overseeing the study process and receiving the final report. This study consists of multiple phases, including data collection, community input, analysis, and reporting. The goal is to provide a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of current services and potential future considerations. The Board does not have the authority to implement changes, mandate consolidation, or levy taxes. Any future policy decisions would be made independently by each governing body after the study is completed.
On March 19, Reno, Sparks and Washoe County – with their consultant, Emergency Global Solutions (EGS) – held an introductory meeting to launch public input for the study.
Attendees received an overview of the current challenges our fire departments and fire-related EMS face in serving a region as large and diverse as Washoe County. The study components and timeline for completion were discussed.
The survey is open through April 30, and a mid-project public workshop will be held in July. The results and recommendations will be presented in October, with additional time for public feedback. The final study report will be delivered in November, and the cities and county may then choose to pursue any of the recommendations.
Visit the public input portal here, participate in the survey, and sign up to receive updates via email.
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