March 20, 2015  
  

Congratulations to Ann Grant and the Living With Fire Program for receiving a National Wildfire Mitigation Award! In this month's issue of the Pulse learn about our Italian connection, the availability of grant funds through the Nevada Division of Forestry and Fire Adapted Communities. We'll also address the burning question "Do oil-based wood stains contribute to the flammability of decks?"

Nevadans Receive Recognition at Conference 

 

 

A coalition of prominent organizations involved in protecting lives, homes, and natural resources from the destructive force of wildfire has announced the recipients of this year's National Wildfire Mitigation Awards. The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living With Fire Program under the leadership of Ed Smith and Sonya Sistare, and Ann Grant, an exceptional and effective Nevada community leader have both received well deserved national recognition by being selected for these awards. The Wildfire Mitigation Awards are the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant impact in wildfire preparedness and mitigation. The 20 awards announced were jointly sponsored by the heavy-hitters in the field, including the National Association of State Foresters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association and the USDA Forest ServiceRead more...

FACt
 
Does applying oil-based penetrating stains to wood decks increase their flammability? This is a common question we get, particularly as we head into spring and thoughts turn to outdoor entertaining. According to our friend, Steve Quarles, Senior Scientist with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, the answer is "no". After conducting tests, Steve concluded that "proper maintenance of wood decks with penetrating oil-based finishes will not contribute to a higher fire hazard." To learn more about his evaluation of wood deck stains, click here .
Partner Spotlight:
The Living With Fire Program Reaches Sardinia, Italy
  
The Forest Service of Sardinia, Italy plans to introduce the Living With Fire educational program to the community of Tortoli.

 

Ed Smith was recently informed that Mr. Salvatore Cabiddu, the Head of the Firefighters and Civil Protection, Forest Service of Sardinia, Italy has adopted the Living With Fire educational program to mitigate the wildfire threat to Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities in his jurisdiction. Mr. Cabiddu stated "the idea from the beginning was to create something practical that could give immediate and concrete results in the fight against forest fires, particularly the WUI." He stated the following three specific reasons why the Living With Fire Program was selected: Read more... 

Funding Opportunities

The Nevada Division of Forestry is currently accepting proposals for the State Fire Assistance grant program. Proposals can request funds for fuel reduction projects, educational efforts, preparation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans and other activities. The program requires a 2:1 match (for every $2 of grant funds there needs to $1 of nonfederal match which can be in kind contributions). April 30 is the deadline for grant applications. Click here for more information. 

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.
In This Issue

What is a Fire Adapted Community?

 

"A fire adapted community is one where the people have joined together to adequately prepare themselves and their homes for the inevitable occurrence of wildfire." Elwood Miller

 

With winter moisture well below normal and no end to the drought in sight, federal, state, and local fire services are preparing for a long fire season and working together to safeguard the people, homes, and natural resources entrusted to their protection. "We can't do this alone," said Fire Chief Michael Schwartz of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District. "Motivated residents who work with their neighbors and local fire department to prepare their communities for fire is the key to a successful outcome when wildfire strikes." Read more...

Stay Connected