The Consequences of Wildfires Do Not End
When the Flames Are Extinguished
|
|
|
Image of the Carlton Complex Fire. Photo courtesy of Carlene Anders.
|
As a 30 year firefighting veteran, this year's featured conference speaker knows well the destructive and long lasting consequences of wildfire. On July 17, 2014 Carlene Anders, along with other volunteer firefighters, rushed to save a house in the face of what would become the Carlton Complex, the largest fire in Washington state history. Before they could even pull the hoses from their engine, they learned that their small town of Pateros was in serious danger. Rushing back, they discovered spot fires ignited by wind-blown embers all over town and panicked residents in disarray. They quickly organized an evacuation and while people were literally running for their lives, they fought to save the small town's business district. Carlene Anders will bring a compelling story of loss that cuts across all phases of community life, as well as recovery that continues to this day.
In the surreal hours and days that followed the dark and harrowing days of the fire, the firefighters ate little and rested less. They tried to help victims cope with their total loss, while answering panicked calls about the continued eruption of spot fires and smoke rising from smoldering debris. The town's governance structure was overwhelmed with offers of help as well as requests to replace services lost. Small town recovery committees were organized into a larger county-wide recovery coordinating body and Anders accepted the job of Executive Director. From managing hundreds of volunteers, to dispersing donated goods and testifying before government panels, Anders has experienced it all. The most heart-wrenching experience she reports is to watch as the psyche of the community goes through the emotional phases of disaster. At first there is the emotional high of survival and community cohesion, followed by a jagged drop into disillusionment, which eventually turns to a slow, unsteady and indefinitely long rise toward recovery and reconstruction. Along the way, "trigger" events, such as anniversaries, remind survivors of the disaster and its economic, social, and psychological costs. Anders will bring to conference participants not only the details of her experience but also lessons learned. We are indeed fortunate to have Carlene Anders as our featured speaker for the second annual statewide conference of the Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities.
|
Partner Spotlight:
Nevada State Grant Office
|
|
|
The Nevada State Grant office is a state agency within the Nevada Department of Administration.
|
The Nevada State Grant Office can assist communities and other organizations that meet Nevada state strategic priorities in obtaining grant funds. Specifically, they can help identify funding opportunities, assist in grant writing and editing, and review grant materials. They can also conduct grant writing workshops. Note: Communities need a legal entity, such as non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status, to apply for and manage grants on their behalf. For more information go to their website at http://grant.nv.gov/.
|
Dead Fuels
|
Keep rain gutters free of leaves and needles year-round. Photograph courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
|
For many people, the arrival of fall means the end of fire season. But Nevadans who experienced the Caughlin, Washoe Drive and Laurel fires know this is not the case. Autumn creates an abundance of dry "dead fuels" including fallen leaves and needles, cured grass and dried weeds. Dead fuels are a major concern during wildfire ─ they ignite easily and burn rapidly spreading fire quickly. Do not let leaves and needles accumulate on the roof, in rain gutters or next to the house. Mow lawns to keep the height of dormant lawns low. Remove dried weeds and dead landscaping vegetation from your property including garden boxes and flower beds. Remember wildfire can occur during any season in Nevada.
|
|
Fire Whirls
In this month's blog, Jenny talks about fire whirls! Follow her journey and participate in the discussion
here
!
|
Funding Opportunities:
Take Action: Teens for Wildfire Safe Communities
Young adults ages 13-22 who complete a Wildfire Risk Reduction Community Service Project between September 1, 2015 and November 15, 2015 can submit an application to receive one of twenty $500 awards for future educational costs, or a $500 donation to the charitable organization of their choice!
Read more about this opportunity
here
!
|
|
What do you think?
We'd like your feedback! What information would you like to know to help reduce the wildfire threat to your community? Reply to this email to share your thoughts.
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
The Network Annual Conference
If you haven't viewed our agenda for the Network Conference on November 9th, be sure to do so by clicking
here
! If you are short on time, check out the following line-up of the conference's key speakers:
Carlene Anderson
, Executive Director of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group
Mike Brown, Fire Chief of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
Rajat Jain, Chief Insurance Examiner - Property and Casualty Section of the Nevada Division of Insurance
Jake Tibbitts, Natural Resources Manager of Eureka County and President of the Nevada Association of Conservation Districts
Bob Roper, State Forester of the Nevada Division of Forestry
Alicia Reban, Executive Director of the Nevada Land Trust
You don't want to miss this exciting and informative event, so be sure to register today! Click
here
for more details about the conference.
|
|
|
|
