Regional Fire Services Study

What is the study?

The Regional Fire Services Study evaluates the structure, efficiency, and effectiveness of fire and emergency medical services across Washoe County, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks - in accordance with Senate Bill 319.

The Study Board includes representatives from each participating jurisdiction and is responsible for overseeing the study process and receiving the final report. The goal is a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of current services and potential future considerations.

This Board cannot implement changes, mandate consolidation, or levy taxes. Any future policy decisions will be made independently by each governing body after the study is complete.

The final report is due by December 31, 2026.

Project History

• September 2025 – Study board convened, elected leadership, adopted rules of procedure, and approved release of an RFP for a feasibility study.
• December 2025 – Board recommended awarding the contract to Emergent Global Solutions, Inc. for the 2026 study period
• February 2026 – Consultant presented methodology, milestones, and engagement approach. Board received a historical overview of regional fire service governance.
• March 2026 - Study entered active data collection and evaluation phase. First public input session held.
• March - April 2026 - Survey launched and collected feedback from public members. Access the survey results [here].
• July 2026 - Preliminary Findings and Mid Progress Report available here or in the 'Documents' section
• September 2026 - Draft Regional Fire & EMS Study report prepared.
• October 2026 - Draft report released for public review, with a survey available to collect feedback on specific sections and the report as a whole.

⬆️ Recording note: Audio is unavailable after approximately 35 minutes. Please review the meeting transcript in the 'Documents' section for the remaining discussion.