Strengthening Sparks Through Statewide Wildfire Partnerships
The Sparks Fire Department is proud to highlight our partnership with the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association (NFCA), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Living With Fire, and Fire Adapted Nevada, to launch the Green Waste Dumpster Program in Spring 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026. This program reflects a broader, statewide effort to reduce wildfire risk through defensible space, fuels management, and community education. Through our collaboration with these local, state, and federal partners, the Sparks Fire Department is taking action to protect homes, improve emergency preparedness, and build a wildfire-resilient community. More details including dumpster locations, dates, and how to get involved are provided below.
PRESS RELEASES
Nevada Fire Chiefs Association (NFCA)
The Nevada Fire Chiefs Association (NFCA) is a statewide coalition of fire service leaders working to improve wildfire preparedness and emergency response. NFCA administers the WRRP, offering grants of up to $75,000 for fuels reduction and $10,000 for fire education and outreach. With $321,000 in new BLM funding, NFCA is supporting projects in Cold Creek, Pioche, Sparks, and more. The program empowers local agencies, nonprofits, and tribes to implement targeted wildfire mitigation efforts that protect lives, property, and the environment across Nevada. Fire Mitigation Funding, Press Release: https://www.nvfirechf.org/posts/fire-mitigation-funding
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada, a federal agency managing public lands and natural resources, plays a vital role in wildfire mitigation across the state. As part of its 2025 Wildland Fire Community Assistance Program, BLM awarded nearly $342,000 through the Wildfire Risk Reduction Program (WRRP) to support six local projects. These efforts include fuels reduction, defensible space creation, and improving fire resilience in high-risk communities like Sparks, Lyon County, and Humboldt County. In 2024, BLM Nevada treated over 295,000 acres to reduce fire risk and continues to expand early detection systems statewide.
Nevada community groups awarded funding for fire mitigation, Press Release: https://www.blm.gov/nfca
ELIGIBILITY
Residents of Sparks within the Sparks Fire Department's jurisdiction, including neighborhoods near the wildland-urban interface, are eligible.
MATERIALS ACCEPTED
The program is strictly for green yard waste and debris, including leaves, branches, and grass clippings. These items may be placed in bags for convenience.
MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED
Items like dirt, rock, and sod, as well as hazardous chemicals, furniture, and appliances, are not accepted. Furniture, appliances, construction materials, hazardous materials and chemicals are not allowed in the dumpsters. Individuals responsible for illegal dumping will be held liable for any additional costs associated with their actions.
COST
This service is FREE to City of Sparks residents.
DUMPSTER PLACEMENT
Dumpsters for green waste disposal are coming soon.