Fire officials warn of careless ash disposal

RENO (AP) — Northern Nevada fire officials are renewing their warnings about carelessly throwing away fireplace ash.Chief Charles Moore of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District says two recent incidents have put the department on higher alert. Moore says one person dumped ash on the ground near a storage shed and started the building on fire, while another person dumped ash in a trash container and the receptacle caught fire in the street.Moore says residents should place ashes in a metal, fire-resistant container for at least a week before checking for hotspots.He says if no hotspots are found, it’s safe to dispose of them for curbside trash pickup.Moore says it’s not safe to dispose of ash in open areas outdoors, where they can spread in the wind.