University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is holding the Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities First Annual Conference at the Atlantis Casino, Resort and Spa on Friday, Oct. 24. Conference registration filled quickly, and the participants represent the many stakeholders in Nevada’s wildland-urban interface fire issue, including members of wildfire-prone communities; local fire service representatives; local, state and federal agencies; and landscape partners.
The Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities (The Network) is part of Cooperative Extension’s Living With Fire Program, founded in 1997 to teach homeowners how to live more safely in Nevada’s high wildfire-hazard environments. The goal of The Network is to connect interested community members with the resources and partners they need so they can reduce their wildfire threat, be better prepared when a wildfire occurs and ultimately work toward becoming fire adapted. The Network is coordinated by Elwood Miller, who served as executive director of the Nevada Fire Safe Council from 2002 to 2006 and is a University of Nevada, Reno professor emeritus of forestry.
“Member communities of The Network have taken specific steps to prepare their homes for wildfire and to work toward becoming fire adapted,” Miller said. “A fire adapted community is one in which the property owners and local agencies have assumed responsibility and have become active participants in taking the steps necessary for survival, even when firefighting resources are on short supply. Member communities have access to the training and resources to assist them in their wildfire threat reduction projects.”
The conference is made possible by funding from the Nevada Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service through a State Fire Assistance Grant, and by the Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office through a Community Fire Assistance Agreement. For more information, visit www.LivingWithFire.info or call Miller at 775-336-0266.
WHO: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
WHAT: Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities First Annual Conference, part of the Living With Fire Program
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 24 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some highlights include: Living With Fire Program Director Ed Smith presents “Action Ideas for Your Community” 11:30 a.m. – noon, and “The Virginia City Highlands Story” 1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Atlantis Casino, Resort and Spa, Reno, Nev.
