Residents demand accountability after delayed fire response during Callahan fire disaster

Residents of Washoe County are calling for accountability and transparency following the devastating Callahan fire that impacted their neighborhood last month. During a recent Board of Fire Commissioners meeting, a homeowner expressed deep concerns about the delayed response from fire services, which left their community vulnerable during a critical time.

The homeowner recounted a series of frantic 911 calls made as the fire began to spread at 10:15 AM, with reports of flames actively burning by 10:59 AM. Despite the urgency, no fire engines arrived for 90 minutes, even though crews were reportedly nearby. The resident highlighted a stark contrast in response times, noting that when a call from a different area came in, four fire trucks were dispatched immediately, despite no fire being present there.

The homeowner emphasized that their property survived largely due to the defensible space they had created and a fortunate change in wind direction. However, the emotional and physical toll of the fire was evident, with over 40 mature trees lost and ongoing cleanup from ash and smoke. The resident criticized the fire department's decision-making, stating that the belief that Galena Creek would contain the fire was a "failed calculated risk."

In light of these events, the homeowner is demanding a thorough investigation into the response times and deployment of fire engines during the incident. They expressed a need for clarity on how such a significant oversight could occur, stating, "Our trust in the system is broken." The call for a transparent breakdown of the fire response aims to ensure that residents are better prepared and protected in future emergencies.

The Board of Fire Commissioners acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that staff had already met with the affected residents. As the community seeks answers, the implications of this incident highlight the critical need for effective emergency response strategies in the face of evolving disasters.