Reno, NV Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Reno, NV, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC § 10.10.020
- Residential incinerators
- banned for large-quantity burning
- Smoke/ash/spark drift
- unlawful if it endangers others
- Fire code adopted
- 2024 International Fire Code
- Applies only
- inside Reno city limits
Summary
Reno bans burning refuse or operating incinerators that send smoke, ash, sparks or fire onto streets, alleys or neighboring property, and bans residential-district incinerators for large-quantity burning.
The following places, things and acts are hereby declared to be unlawful: (a) Burning refuse, sawdust or other material in such a manner as to cause ashes, smoke, sawdust, soot or cinders to be cast or fall upon the streets or alleys of the city, or upon the premises of any considerable number of persons in such quantity as to injure or endanger the property, health, comfort or repose of such persons; ... (c) Maintaining or operating in a residential district of the city any burner or incinerator used for burning refuse, sawdust or other material in large quantities
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno Municipal Code § 10.10.020 declares it unlawful to burn refuse, sawdust or other material in a way that casts ash, smoke, soot or cinders onto streets, alleys or nearby premises, or that throws sparks or burning material where it endangers people or property. It separately bans maintaining or operating a burner or incinerator in a residential district for burning refuse in large quantities, and bans forced-draft or open-flame incinerators that emit fire, sparks or heavy smoke. Reno also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (RMC § 16.01.012), which governs any permitted open burning within city limits.
Violations & Fines
Violating an unlisted-penalty Code provision is a misdemeanor under RMC § 1.04.010: a fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in city jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard debris in my backyard in Reno?
Does this rule apply outside Reno city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
How Reno compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.