Volume 40 | September 2017
The month of September is National Preparedness Month which focuses on the theme, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can”. Let this serve as a reminder that fall is an ideal time to prepare for wildfire. Continue reading to learn about how wildfires are started, how to prepare for wildfire and a funding opportunity for Nevada landowners. 
  Causes of Nevada Wildfires
Infographic of 2017 fire causes in Nevada. 31%, or 373,353 burned acres were caused by humans, from 303 fires. 69%, or 847,207 burned acres were caused by lightning, from 390 fires.
2017 Nevada fire and acre statistics. Graphic courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Most commonly, wildfires are started by lightning or human-related activities. The proportion at which each type of ignition source occurs is not consistent across the U.S., but varies considerably by region. So far this year in Nevada, 69% of the acres that burned were due to wildfires ignited by lightning while 31% of the acres burned were from human-related causes. Nationally, however, on average over 80% of the acres that burn were due to human-caused wildfires.

Human-caused fires are of particular concern since they can occur year round and are often located near residential areas. Some of Nevada’s human-caused fires include:

  • Caughlin Fire, Reno – Arcing powerlines.
  • Hawken Fire, Reno – Sparks from grinding.
  • Waterfall Fire, Carson City – Abandoned campfire.
  • Washoe Drive Fire, Washoe Valley – Improper ash disposal.
  • Autumn Hills Fire, Carson Valley – Kids playing with matches.

In Nevada, human-caused wildfire can occur from equipment, smoking, open/outdoor fires, debris or vegetation burning, arson, man-made intentional acts, misuse of fire, or events that are undetermined.

Regardless of the cause and despite our best prevention efforts, wildfires are going to happen. Residents of wildfire-prone areas need to prepare to survive wildfire. To learn more about how to reduce your threat of wildfire, please view our publication, “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness” .
Preparing for Wildfire is More Than Evacuation and Defensible Space
Illustration of aerial view of house and surrounding fire-adapted landscaping.
House in a fire adapted community. Graphic courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Having spent the majority of my life in Nevada, I’ve seen my share of wildfires. Growing up, I remember helping my father pick the weeds from the common area behind our house to improve our defensible space and even preparing items at home for an evacuation. Before starting with the Living With Fire Program, this is what I thought wildfire preparedness entailed. Since then, I’ve learned that there are five categories of actions to help residents prepare for wildfire… Continue reading...
Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership
The following is a funding opportunity for Nevada landowners via the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Eligible applicants include private landowners, tribal and local government agencies working in coordination with the National Forest System and/or State Lands.

The U.S. Forest Service and NRCS are currently accepting proposals for FY 2018 Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership funding. Proposals must be supported by the Forest Service and NRCS and are due October 17, 2017.

The call letter, application template, and additional information about the Joint Chiefs’ application can be viewed on the following link: http://forestry.nv.gov/grants/ .

For assistance with the Joint Chiefs’ application, please contact:

Heather Giger
Stewardship/Legacy Program Coordinator
Nevada Division of Forestry
775.684.2552

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension | Living With Fire Program | [email protected]
This newsletter is provided by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, an EEO/AA institution, with funding from a State Fire Assistance grant from the Nevada Division of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. Additional support is provided by the Bureau of Land Management - Nevada State Office.