Volume 49 | July 2018
Welcome to the July 2018 Network Pulse Newsletter. This is the Network's first newsletter volume under NDF. The Network appreciates the support throughout the last several years from University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the Living With Fire Program.
Fire Safety for Outdoor Summer Grilling
Hamburgers cooking on a grill
Hamburgers cooking on a grill. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling hamburgers or tri-tip in the summer. Outdoor grills pose fire risks that residents need to be aware of. Grills placed too close to anything that can burn, is a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that more than half of home fires started by outdoor grills begin on patios or decks. July is the peak month for grill and open-pit caused fires. Grills should never be left unattended and should be placed away from the home, deck railings, and out from under the eaves or overhanging branches. Following some simple safety tips can prevent wild fires.

Charcoal Grills:
  • Use only charcoal-starter fluid and never mix charcoal fluid with other flammable liquids.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach from children and away from heat sources.
  • Store your charcoal and charcoal fluid outside of the 30 foot lean, green zone.
  • After grilling, let your coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
  • Be sure your grill is stable and cannot be tipped over.
  • Using a wood or charcoal grill is prohibited on all public land areas, roads, and trails when summer fire restrictions are in place (this year: June 30th - until rescinded).

Propane Grills:
  • Be sure to check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will not only smell but will release bubbles during the soapy water test.
  • Clean your grill after each use and use a drip pan to prevent hot grease from spilling on your deck or patio.
Updates from the June Network Advisory Board Meeting
Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities logo. (Gray State of Nevada shape surrounded by icons of fire adapted community members.)
The Network Advisory Board had a very productive June meeting. The board welcomed the addition of four new advisory board members. Jamie Roice-Gomes, will take over the vacant University of Nevada Cooperative Extension seat on the board for the recently retired Ed Smith. The Network wishes to thank Mr. Smith for all of his contributions to the Network and welcome Mrs. Roice-Gomes. The board appointed Zach Ellinger to fill the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seat on the board. Mr. Ellinger is from the Las Vegas BLM office and will provide the Network with more perspective from Southern Nevada.

The board also appointed Jennifer Diamond to serve as the U.S. Forest Service Representative on the board. Mrs. Diamond serves as a fire prevention specialist for the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest. Lastly, the board appointed Melynda Sharkozy-Phillips to serve as the Network’s northeastern regional community representative. Melynda will provide the board with some insight on the project developments in Eureka, Lander, Elko, and White Pine Counties.

The board approved the Network’s applications for community and individuals members. The Network Coordinator is seeking applications for individuals and communities that wish to join the Network. Communities or members that achieved membership status under the Network previously will need to complete an application with the assistance of the Network Coordinator. Applications can be found on the NDF website at http://forestry.nv.gov/fire-adapted-communities/join-the-network/ , or you may contact Michael Beaudoin at MBeaudoin@forestry.nv.gov. Mr. Beaudoin is available to assist individual and communities with the application materials and will provide training materials in the near-future.

Individual and community membership in the network provides several benefits which include:
  • Training and guidance on wildfire preparedness.
  • Assistance creating and maintaining your Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
  • Assistance with acquiring grants and funding for fuel reduction, wildfire education, and CWPPs.
  • Access to the Network’s Community Grant Assistance Program.
  • Assistance with Chapter establishment, governance, and membership retention.
Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) helps communities refine thier priorities for the protection of life, property, and shared assets-at-risk from wildfires. Developing a CWPP encourages community members and leaders to have valuable discussions about wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, and local fire district capabilities. The CWPP increases grant funding opportunities by prioritizing fuel reduction projects around and within the community. CWPPs can address wildfire planning at the HOA, subdivision, county, or regional level. Choosing the scope and scale of your community’s CWPP depends on your community goals. CWPPs written to address a specific HOA or community will be more mindful of the local community’s culture, identity, and plans.


Updating or writing your CWPP seems like a daunting task, but the process only has three requirements as outlined in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act.

1.     Collaboration: A CWPP must be collaboratively developed by local and state government agencies, in consultation with federal agencies and interested parties. The local county, local fire district and NDF must sign off on the final CWPP document.
2.     Prioritized Fuel Reduction : The CWPP must identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommend the methods of treatment that will protect at-risk communities and structures. A map of the priority fuel reduction projects is not required but is highly recommended.
3.     Treatment of Structure Ignitability: A CWPP must also recommend measures that homeowners can take to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area addressed by the plan.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has great resources on their Living With Fire website to help your community complete a CWPP. These resources can be found at: http://www.livingwithfire.info/cwpp

In addition, as a member of the Network your community will be provided with assistance when updating or writing your CWPP. The Network has had some recent success in starting the CWPP planning process in Douglas County and would like to see more progress throughout Nevada. The Network can provide your community with trainings or publications about writing or updating a CWPP. If you or your community is interested in assistance with a CWPP please email the Network Coordinator at MBeaudoin@Forestry.NV.Gov or call him at 775-684-2519.
Prepare for Wildfire- Pack a To-go Bag
Blog with Living With Fire's Jamie Roice- Gomes
Your Emergency To-Go Bag is an important wildfire evacuation tool. Photo Courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
My colleague shared her experience when a wildfire was approaching her community several years ago. 

“In the early morning hours, I woke to a nearby friend’s text saying ‘I can see the flames coming down the hillside. We’re evacuating!’ After racing out the front door, smelling smoke and seeing the hillside pulsing a vivid red, I did what any well-prepared person would do – I panicked! Through my frightened tears, I started searching for a long lost ring I had promised to give my son, grabbed photo albums and framed portraits off the wall, and dug through the desk for important papers. I was not prepared and my panic made it hard to think rationally.”

Evacuating your home during a wildfire is a terrifying experience. It’s difficult to think accurately and quickly when faced with the imminent threat of wildfire. With all of the wildfires occurring in the summer and inquiries about packing to-go bags, I thought it might be useful for residents to view a detailed list of what to pack... Continue Reading.
Newsletter Transitions to
The Network Coordinator
The newsletter recently transistioned to the new Network Coordinator, Michael Beaudoin. Be sure to add Michael’s email, mbeaudoin@forestry.nv.gov so The Network Pulse isn’t sent to your spam folder.
Nevada Division of Forestry| The Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities | MBeaudoin@nv.forestry.gov