By Susan Voyles, Reno Gazette-Journal

Washoe County commissioners on Tuesday gave its official blessings for its members on the joint fire advisory to work with Reno officials on regionalizing fire services.

Commissioners also want to invite officials for Sparks, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and neighboring fire departments covering north Lyon County and Carson City to participate in the talks.

Reno and Washoe County officials have until June 30 to notify each other of any plans to disband a 11-year-old contract in which Reno staffs the county’s six Truckee Meadows fire district stations. The county also oversees the Sierra fire district.

Sierra Fire Chief Michael Greene has proposed switching to three-man crews to keep its three stations open and avoid paying overtime of upwards of $800,000 this year for a fourth firefighter when one reports sick.

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