Those of you familiar with the Living With Fire Program know that we talk a lot about the ember threat to homes during wildfire. Why? Because researchers estimate that 90% of all homes destroyed during wildfire is due to windblown, burning embers landing on, in or near the house on something easily ignitable. These small fires started by the embers often grow and threaten the home.
In 2010, the Living With Fire team searched for a youth activity for use at events that would simultaneously inform people about the ember threat. In response, “The Ember House Youth Activity” was created. The Ember House is a mock, scaled-down house front featuring vulnerable spots to embers, such as pine needle filled rain gutters, a wood shake roof, an open window, unscreened vents, a juniper bush, and a firewood stack. Youth participants toss Velcro-covered bean bags to simulate embers at the house trying to land them or stick on the vulnerable spots. Meanwhile, the parents are introduced to the “Be Ember Aware!” publication which discusses how to mitigate those susceptible locations on your house.
The Ember House Youth Activity is very effective at conveying the ember threat during wildfire to both children and adults alike. For more information, go to
https://www.facebook.com/LivingWithFire
to “Videos” and view the "Ed Talks About...The Ember Threat Using the Ember House...” At
LivingWithFire.info/be-ember-aware
you can view the “Be Ember Aware!” publication and watch the “Be Ember Prepared” video. For individuals interested in using The Ember House Youth Activity, contact the Living With Fire Program Outreach Coordinator Jamie Roice-Gomes at 775-336-2061 or
[email protected].