Volume 54 | February 2019
Welcome to the February 2019 Pulse Newsletter. The Network is excited to announce that registration for the 2019 Annual Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities Conference is now open.
2019 Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities Conference Registration Open
The Network is excited to announce that the registration for the 2019 Nevada Network for Fire Adapted Communities is now open. The conference will be held on April 22nd at the Atlantis Resort in Reno.

We have a great group of presenters for this years conference. Key speakers include Chief David Hawks of the CAL FIRE Butte Unit. He will be sharing his thoughts on the 2018 Camp Fire and how to prepare your community for evacuation in a catastrophic wildland fire. Yana Valachovic, Forest Advisor and County Director for UCANR Humboldt-Del Norte office, will speak about the science behind home ignition during a wildfire. Lastly, Chief Doug Cupp of the Greater Eagle Fire District will join us to talk about techniques you can use to inspire your community to become more fire adapted. 

Space is limited and the registration deadline is April 12th, 2019. You can register at: NNFAC2019.eventbrite.com. Unfortunately we are unable to reimbursement attendees for travels costs this year.
Updates from the January Advisory Board Meeting
Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities logo. (Gray State of Nevada shape surrounded by icons of fire adapted community members.)
The Nevada Network’s advisory board met on January 15 th to review the great progress the Network made in 2018 and to look forward to new opportunities in 2019. The Advisory Board received a report from Network Coordinator, Michael Beaudoin, on the accomplishments made in the latter part of 2018. These accomplishments included:

  • Developing a Network Business Plan as a guide for membership fees and grant guidelines.
  • Facilitating the transition of the Network from University of Nevada Cooperative Extension to the Nevada Division of Forestry.
  • The approval of three new community chapters: Alpine View Estates, Verdi-Mogul, and Pine Nut-Blue Bird
  • Recertification of two Cooperative Extension approved chapters: Holbrook Highlands and Lakeview
  • Completing the 2017-2018 Network Strategic Plan recommendations and developing a new draft Network Strategic plan.

The Network Advisory Board also approved three chapter applications. Two brand-new chapters were Verdi-Mogul in Washoe County and Pine Nut-Blue Bird in Douglas County. The board recertified the chapter status of Lakeview in Carson City.

The Network Advisory Board also approved the final draft of the Network Chapter Leader Handbook. The finalized handbook can be found at: http://forestry.nv.gov/fire-adapted-communities/join-the-network/  The Advisory Board would like to thank the community leaders and partner agencies that provided feedback to the draft handbook. New additions to the final handbook include:
  • Guide sheet for securing and managing fuel reduction or CWPP contractors
  • More clear steps on establishing a community chapter (quickguide can be found here)
  • Overall better organization of the handbook
Home Hardening/ Built Zone Tips: Roofing Materials
Roofs are a highly vulnerable part of your home during wildfires.

Homes ignite in one of three ways: embers/firebrands, radiant heat exposure or direct flame contact. An example of an ember ignition is when wind-blown embers accumulate on combustible materials such as a wood shake roof. An untreated wood shake or shingle roof covering is the greatest threat to a home.

Wind-blown debris (including leaves and pine needles from nearby and overhanging trees) will accumulate on roofs and in gutters. Dry debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers. These flames can extend to the edge of the roof and adjacent siding. Even with Class A fire-rated roof coverings, vertical surfaces next to the roof edge will be exposed to flames from the ignited debris. Regularly remove vegetative debris from your roof and gutters .
Cedar Shake roofing materials are prone to ignition during a wildfire.
You can reduce the vulnerability of your roof to wildfire in several ways:

  1. Roofs should be Class A fire-rated, such as asphalt composition shingles. If you’re unsure about your roof’s rating, hire a professional roofer to make a determination.
  2. Remove debris on the roof and in the gutters at least twice a year, or more often if necessary.
  3. Remove tree branches that overhang the roof.
  4. Periodically inspect exposed areas under eaves and soffits to ensure construction materials are in good condition.
  5. Cover vents with noncombustible, corrosion-resistant 1/8-inch metal mesh screens.
  6. Inspect and maintain your roof on a regular basis. Replace when necessary. Replace cedar-shake roofing materials when possible
Asphalt composite roofing materials are class A fire-rated roofing materials and are a much better alternative to cedar shake roofs
Article adapted from NFPA’s FireWise Communities USA informational fact sheets. For more resources from NFPA please visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Wildfire-safety-tips .

More information on preparing your Nevada home for wildfire can be found at the Living With Fire website: http://www.livingwithfire.info/learning-center  

Nevada Division of Forestry| The Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities | [email protected]