April 17, 2015  
  

May is just around the corner!  We are in high gear getting ready for Wildfire Awareness Month, with events taking place throughout Nevada.  In this edition, you will learn more about these events, including two exciting races and the non-profit organization the races will be supporting, find important information about foam application to protect homes during a wildfire, catch up on what our friend Natalie Newcomer is up to and more. Enjoy!

May is Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month

2015 Wildfire Awareness Poster

 

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living With Fire Program is once again coordinating a collaborative effort with your federal, state and local fire services, public safety, community organizations and others to celebrate Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month throughout May. With the message of "Improve Your Odds - Prepare for Wildfire!" we want to stress that with advance preparation, your home's ability to survive a wildfire can be greatly improved and families can evacuate safely ahead of damaging and deadly wildfires.

 

Working together to create Fire Adapted Communities in both urban and rural areas, we can provide suggestions, guidance and tips to prepare yourselves before the hot, dry days of summer arrive. Find more information regarding special events such as fun runs, community gatherings and educational opportunities throughout the month of May or to order materials, visit the Wildfire Awareness page on our website. For help organizing an event in your area, contact Sonya Sistare at 775-336-0271. 

FACt
 

In many locations where wildfire threatens homes, water is in short supply and difficult to obtain. In these situations the application of foam can increase water's capability and allow firefighters to accomplish more in a shorter time frame. According to Fire Captain Keith Klassen, of the Flagstaff Arizona fire service, the right kind of foam applied to ignitable surfaces, vegetation, and ember traps can provide a high degree of protection for a 4 to 6 hour time period. Pretreatment of structures must therefore occur as the fire is approaching. Captain Klassen also cautions that foam is not a substitute for thorough defensible space work but is a tool to reinforce homeowner initiatives to implement defensible space practices. See the "Before The Fire" defensible space recommendations on the Living With Fire website. While homeowner self-application kits are readily available, one should always consult with your local fire department before investing.

Partner Spotlight:
Wildland Firefighter Foundation

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to fallen firefighters' families and to firefighters injured in the line of duty. The role of the organization is to honor past, present, and future wildland firefighters by helping maintain and grow the national monument established for those who have lost their lives; to operate a financial fund providing assistance to the families of fallen wildland firefighters and to injured firefighters; and to partner with private and interagency organizations to educate the public about wildland fires and promote excellence and safety in firefighting. 

 

In addition to financial assistance, the Foundation provides immediate and ongoing emotional support, advocacy, and recognition to fallen and injured wildland firefighters.  They present program information and in some instances, onsite crisis support, to government and private fire agencies and other organizations.

 

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation would not exist without donations, as they provide a channel for your donations to reach those in need during difficult times. This Foundation exists solely out of the goodness of the hearts of all of you. Learn more about this organization by visiting their website.

Off To The Races  

 

We are happy to learn that Natalie will participate in our Willand Fire Awareness Half Marathon and 5K run on May 9. Come on out and you may get to meet her in person! Check out her latest article here.

Funding Opportunities

In last months edition, we shared information about the NFPA/State Farm $500.00 awards.  We know that six Nevada entities submitted applications along with hundreds of others nationwide, and three of those entries were selected for the grant! Congratulations to our local winners:

  • City of Elko Fire Department
  • West Washoe Wildfire Preparedness Group
  • Hungry Valley Fire Department
     

We'll let you know if this opportunity occurs again next year. 

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

Calling All Runners! 

 

Walkers are welcome too!  On Saturday, May 9th, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Parks and Desert Sky Adventures to hold a Wildland Fire Awareness Half Marathon and 5K Run beginning at 8 a.m. at Washoe Lake State Park. Registration is now open and the cost is only $35.00. Just for participating, you'll receive a race shirt, goodie bag, medal, snacks and refreshments. The best part is, you will be supporting a good cause - 100% of the proceeds benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to fallen firefighters' families and firefighters injured in the line of duty. Read more about this great organization in our Partner Spotlight section. Register here or come out to this event to cheer on the runners and visit with representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, Fire Prevention Association of Nevada, Nevada State Fire Marshal Division, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, U. S. Forest Service and others. You might just run into Smokey Bear as well! Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9th, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and meet us at the race!

 

A second race is planned for May 30 in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just outside of Las Vegas.  Learn more about this race or register here.  

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