Dec. North Valleys Public Safety, Fire, & Infrastructure Updates

SKCO
Jan 5
3 min read

Key takeaways from the North Valleys Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) Meeting on December 8th, 2025 - we've sifted through the details to give you the highlights...

Next Meeting: January 12, 2026 - 6pm - Reno-Stead Airport 4895 Texas Ave, Reno, NV 89506

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (TMFR)

Division Chief Joe Schum provided a public safety update for the North Valleys. He reported that November call volume was lower than average, with fewer traffic accidents and no major incidents. Seasonal safety reminders included:

Winter open burning is allowed with an online permit, and residents should check daily burn conditions due to wind and weather restrictions.
Fireplace and chimney safety, including regular cleaning to prevent creosote buildup.
Proper disposal of fireplace ashes.
Increased attention to slip-and-fall hazards during winter storms, especially for older residents.

Electric Vehicle (EV) & Battery Fire Discussion

Fire officials discussed the unique challenges posed by EV and battery fires, noting:

EV battery fires involve thermal runaway and metal fires, which cannot be extinguished using traditional water or foam and may worsen if water is applied.
There is currently no fully effective, widely available suppression method for EV battery fires.
Fire crews often prioritize protecting nearby structures and containing vegetation fires, sometimes allowing the vehicle itself to burn out in a controlled manner.
TMFR continues to update training and uses specialized tools and apps to guide responders based on vehicle type.

Battery Energy Storage Facility (BESS)

During public comment, a resident asked about a proposed battery storage facility reportedly in the planning phase. Fire officials stated:

Any battery storage facility must go through a formal fire code and code enforcement review.
Projects are reviewed against national fire codes and local ordinances.
Safety requirements must be addressed before approvals are granted.
Similar facilities already exist within the fire district.
Fire officials could not comment on the status or details of the specific proposal discussed.

Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)

NDOT provided a detailed update on the U.S. 395 North Valleys Transportation Project, which is being delivered in phases:

Phase 1A is complete.
Phase 1B (McCarran Blvd to Golden Valley Rd) is under construction.
Phase 2 (Golden Valley Rd to Stead Blvd) is fully funded and planned to follow.

Current work includes:

Adding a third travel lane in each direction.
Auxiliary lanes between interchanges.
A braided ramp at Golden Valley Road.
Sound walls, drainage improvements, lighting, and intelligent transportation systems.
Northbound lanes are already open, with remaining work continuing through winter and early spring. NV-CAB-Minutes_December_2025_Dr…

NDOT also addressed concerns about snowplow staffing, noting:

Staffing shortages previously reached up to 70% vacancy but have improved to around 10%.
Many new hires have less than five years of experience, making training and retention ongoing challenges. NV-CAB-Minutes_December_2025_Dr…

Residents raised concerns about emergency access and evacuations during construction, and NDOT stated they coordinate with emergency responders to maintain access during incidents.

Silver Hills Development

During public comment, a resident shared information about a potential zoning or development change that may be brought forward in February related to the Silver Hills development in Silver Knolls. The resident stated:

The developer may request an increase in housing density on the east side of Red Rock Road.
The request could include removal of previously required conditions such as road widening and an equestrian underpass.
Residents were encouraged to attend future meetings and stay informed if the proposal moves forward.

Emergency Management & Community Engagement

A speaker noted that Washoe County Emergency Management is conducting an evacuation study and encouraged residents to participate by identifying evacuation bottlenecks and problem areas through an online mapping tool.

Residents were also encouraged to:

Use the Washoe County Development Hub to track applications and projects by district.
Follow the Citizens Guild of the North Valleys Facebook page for CAB updates and meeting notices.

Why This Matters for Silver Knolls

Topics discussed at the meeting reflect ongoing issues relevant to Silver Knolls residents:

Wildfire and battery-related fire risks.
Limited evacuation routes and emergency access.
Infrastructure improvements occurring alongside continued regional growth.
The importance of staying informed and participating in public processes as proposals advance.

SKCO will continue to share verified, factual updates from public meetings to help residents stay informed and engaged.

You can view the full notes here: https://www.washoecounty.gov/CABS/NV_CAB/2026/Files/NV-CAB-Minutes_December_2025_Draft.docx