Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610

RENO, Nev. (May 20, 2025) — This May, the American Red Cross is commemorating Wildfire Awareness Month by offering free Wildfire Prevention Inspections to communities across Northern Nevada.

These inspections are part of the larger Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which works to install smoke alarms and enhance safety in homes across the United States. Recognizing Northern Nevada’s heightened risk for wildfires, the Red Cross has expanded its efforts to train volunteers in key wildfire prevention measures to better serve residents.

The inspections focus on identifying potential wildfire hazards around homes and properties. Volunteers assess areas of concern such as large grassy fields, overgrown or dead trees, and dry plant material like fallen pinecones, leaves and other debris that could ignite a wildfire.

“These inspections are an important step in reducing the number of human-caused wildfires in our state,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “We’re committed to taking every opportunity to educate and empower our community to help prevent these devastating fires.”

Through proactive measures and community engagement, the Red Cross aims to enhance wildfire resilience and safety across the region. Residents are encouraged to participate in this free program to protect their homes and neighborhoods from potential fire dangers. Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation and wildfire inspection by calling 775-954-1185 or visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.

Other tips recommended by the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) include:

• Creating a defensible space around your home by using the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) zone concept
• Choosing fire-resistant plants. Consult a landscaper in your area or this list of fire-resistant plants on the Western Fire Chiefs Association’s Firewise website.
• Creating empty space between shrubs and trees to reduce the chance of flames leaping between them.
• Pruning trees above the height of bushes and shrubs (approximately 6-10 inches off the ground) and removing dead branches.
• Mowing grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4 inches high.

About National Wildfire Awareness Month
National Wildfire Awareness Month is recognized in more than 10 states and focuses on bringing awareness and education to wildfire safety and prevention. In 2024, there were over 64,000 wildfires in the United States, burning 8,924,884 acres of land. 

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.