A state-mandated study on Reno, Sparks, and unincorporated Washoe County regarding consolidation of fire services gets underway with a public information meeting next month.
The cities of Reno and Sparks, along with Washoe County, have hired Emergency Global Solutions (EGS) to conduct the study, which will analyze the feasibility of combining the Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department, and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD). The study will also examine the possibility of integrating fire-based emergency medical services across the region.
The effort stems from Nevada Senate Bill 319, approved by the Legislature in 2025, which requires the creation of a regional fire study board to evaluate the potential consolidation of the three agencies.
Officials say the study will review operational structures, service delivery, staffing, and potential cost impacts, while identifying possible benefits and drawbacks of a regional fire system. An informational meeting scheduled for March 19 at 6 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Public Health Conference Room A/B, 1001 E. 9th Street, Building B, will mark the public launch of the study.
Regional fire leaders will participate, including Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Richard Edwards, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran, and Sparks Fire Chief Walt White. The meeting is expected to last about 90 minutes and will include an opportunity for public comment toward the end of the session.
Officials state the study will be non-binding and is only to provide local governments with information about the potential impacts and feasibility of consolidation.
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