A large hay barn burns to the ground on the east side of Franktown Road in Washoe Valley during the Little Valley Fire.
It was reported by Reno’s Channel 4 News a seasonal firefighter with the Nevada Division of Forestry testified more crews should have been sent to the Little Valley Fire that destroyed 23 homes in Washoe Valley.
Jason Foster testified during the trial on Wednesday crews missed a critical area of a controlled burn site that later destroyed 23 homes, 19 other buildings and 2,300 acres in October 2016.
Fifty-three plantiffs are suing NDF and the Universit of Nevada, Reno for damage they claim that was done by a prescribed burn on UNR property.
Foster testified that crews missed a critical area of the controlled burn site that later destroyed 23 homes and nearly 2,300 acres in October 2016.
Foster said he agreed with with EPI Global fire investigator Kirk Schmitt’s testimony high winds reignited smoldering embers, blowing them over the perimeter of the prescribed burn site and causing the fire.
Attorneys of the plaintiffs have argued infrared technology would’ve been a safer option than what fire crews used to contain the prescribed burn, a method known as cold trailing.
The homeowners’ attorneys argued infrared technology allows crews to identify where specifically the remaining heat sources are located, saying tht could’ve prevented the wildfire.
Defense attorneys argued infrared technology isn’t necessary and cold trailing is used often and has been successful in controlling prescribed burns.
Chief Judge Scott Freeman said Wednesday he wanted the jury to be able to reach a verdict on Friday.
The trial continued this morning.
