Volume 39 | August 2017
Did you know researchers estimate that 90% of all homes destroyed during wildfire is due to windblown, burning embers? Also, did you know that the Living With Fire Program has a youth activity to teach children and adults about the ember threat? Continue reading to learn about the ember threat, the Ember House, and about an opportunity to honor the brave folks who protect our mountains, forests, rangelands and wilderness of the West.
 The Ember House Youth Activity
Children participating in The Ember House Youth Activity.
Children participating in The Ember House Youth Activity.
Photograph courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
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 roicej@unce.unr.edu.
Are you Ember Aware?
Areas vulnerable to embers. Graphic courtesy of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Working at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Living With Fire Program has altered my perception of the ember threat and proper defensible space. Just the other day, I approached my sister’s house and caught myself secretly congratulating her on her home’s defensible space.

One publication that is partly responsible for my increased awareness is “Be Ember Aware!”. It lists twenty-two locations around the home that are vulnerable to ignition from embers during wildfire and gives suggestions on how to reduce the threat.

Contrary to the popular belief that homes ignite due to a large wall of flames, experts estimate that 90% of homes ignited during a wildfire are because of embers... Continue reading...
Protect Our West Night
We would like to share the following email announcement from the Reno Aces regarding  Protect Our West Night :
Greater Nevada Field arena at night with fireworks above.
Greater Nevada Field. Photograph courtesy of Reno Aces.
Saturday, September 2 nd
Come watch the Reno Aces celebrate Protect Our West Night! This night is an opportunity to honor the brave men and women protecting our mountains, forests, rangelands and wilderness of the West! Aces coaches & players will wear wildland firefighter themed jerseys to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. To receive a discounted ticket and a FREE Reno Aces hat through this offer. This night will also feature:
 
  • Fire truck displays outside of the ballpark.
  • A live auction of the jerseys worn by the Reno Aces coaches and players during the game with the proceeds going to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
  • And a special guest!

Enter passcode: wildland
 
 
This discounted offer is only valid online and expires August 31 st  at midnight.
 
To speak directly with someone about this night please contact Ross Melen at 775.334.7019 or rmelen@renoaces.com
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension | Living With Fire Program | roicej@unce.unr.edu
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.