Fire

Skip Navigation Links Extension / Programs / Fire

Practical fire advice you can trust

Providing information, programs and training grounded in research to help people, agencies and communities reduce wildfire risk.

Featured Programs

Living With Fire

Living with Drought

Fire Toolkit Portal

Featured Special Publication

Photo of houses surrounded by burned landscape with a view of Lake Tahoe in the distance

Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide

This Guide includes specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfire.

Read more about this Special Publication

All Fire Programs

Conservation & Sustainability

Extension offices provide support and research for many conservation initiatives throughout the state of Nevada. In addition, a partnership with Nevada's Conservation Districts has been formed which assists both organizations with the overall vision of Conservation for the state of Nevada while providing additional education and resources to help conserve Nevada's natural resources.

Fire Toolkit Portal

The toolkit is developed to provide guidance for communities and on-the-ground organizers engaging in collaborative planning to reduce their threat to wildfire.

Living with Drought

The program connects stakeholders with drought status information, essential research, and tools that can be used to help address and assess the impacts of drought in Nevada.

Living With Fire

Helping Nevadans and visitors prepare for wildfire

Fire Related News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...


*6 Steps To Create an Evacuation Plan* 6 steps to create an evacuation plan so that residents can evacuate safely and effectively during an emergency. Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*A Homeowner's Guide to Planting Crested Wheatgrass* The following description for planting crested wheatgrass applies to homeowners seeding relatively small areas (less than two acres) and who do not have access to specialized rangeland seeding equipment. For larger planting efforts, contact your local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office for suggestions. Smith, E., Davison, J., Carlos, B. 1999, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-99-96
*A Homeowner’s Guide to Cheatgrass* Cheatgrass, also known as downy brome and bronco grass, is an annual plant native to Europe and Asia. Cheatgrass has a serious environmental impact on Nevada. It dries out very quickly, becoming extremely flammable. This increases the occurrence and intensity of fires in sagebrush areas. Davison, J. and Smith, E. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-29
*Aboriginal Precedent for Active Management of Sagebrush Perennial grass Communities in the Great Basin.* Restoration measures should be scientifically based and tailored to achieve ecological resilience and functionality in specific sites. Prescribed fire is not always ecologically appropriate or judicious, especially in Wyoming big sagebrush communities, so managers should consider using other alternatives. McAdoo, J.K., B.W. Schultz, and S.R. Swanson. 2013, Rangeland Ecology and Management 66(3):241-253.
*Backyard Native Plants* Identification and treatments of shrubs and ground covers for fire safe landscaping at Lake Tahoe. Higgins, Lesley V. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
*Be Careful! Cheatgrass is extremely flammable!* Dry cheatgrass is one of the most easily ignitable substances on Nevada's rangelands. It is the kindling that fuels many of our wildfires. Once ignited, cheatgrass fires can travel very fast. Be careful! Be prepared! Smith, Ed, Davison, Jay 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno SP-05-08
*Be Ember Aware* During a wildfire, thousands of embers can rain down on your roof and pelt the side of your home like hail during a storm. Embers coming into contact with flammable material is the major reason why homes burn from wildfires.By being ember aware and taking action ahead of time, a homeowner can reduce the ember threat. Smith, Ed, Sistare, Sonya 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-09-05
*Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada's High Fire Hazard Areas* The most important person in preventing a house from being destroyed by wildfire is the homeowner. And, it is the actions that a homeowner takes before a fire occurs that are critical. One of the most important “pre-fire” activities that a homeowner can do is the creation of a defensible space. Smith, E., Skelly, J. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, EB-07-01
*Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada's High Fire Hazard Areas - Lake Tahoe Basin* The latest version has been revised to indicate which plants in this publication are also included on the “TRPA Recommended Native and Adapted Plant List” and which are on the suggested “Accent Plant Guide for Lake Tahoe” list. Skelly, J., Smith, Ed. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-17-01
*Choosing Turf and Erosion Control Grasses for the Lake Tahoe Basin* Planting grass near homes can control soil erosion and help create fire defensible space. Since the tragic Angora Fire in 2007, many Tahoe residents are re-evaluating their landscaping options for areas close to residences. Cobourn, J., Skelly, J. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-09-07
*Climate Science Readiness and Training Needs of Nevada Extension Professionals* Special publication that evaluates the needs and institutional desires for incorporating climate change information into existing Extension programming. Includes assessment of attitudes, perceived knowledge levels, current efforts to address climate change and the need for training. Kratsch, H., Cobourn, J., Chichester, L. and Ormerod, K. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-08
*Combine Defensible Space and Best Management Practices (BMP's)* Homeowners at Lake Tahoe need to protect their homes from wildfire. At the same time, they are required to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity from sediment caused by soil erosion. These goals can be accomplished most efficiently if owners plan their defensible space and their best management practices together. Cobourn, John 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-26
*Ember House 3.0 Building Instructions* This is information on how to build an Ember House. The Ember House serves as a youth activity to educate kids on the ember threat of wildfires on homes. There is no one “right way” to build an Ember House. There are a lot of variations out there. Reported below is simply how LWF created theirs. Smith, E. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20
*Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness* Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
*Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Carson City* Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
*Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Elko County* Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted community is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Read more about fire adapted communities in the Elko County area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-02
*Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness. Lake Tahoe Basin* There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve personal safety and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication is to present these steps and encourage neighbors to work together and with their local fire firefighting agency to take action. Smith, E., Sistare, S. 2014, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-14-05
*Firescaping: Landscape design for defensible space* Firescaping is landscape design that reduces house and property vulnerability to wildfire. The goal is to develop a landscape with a design and choice of plants that offer the best defensible space and enhance the property. Skelly, JoAnne 2001, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-01-33
*First-generation Ph.D. student Christina T. Igono presents, wins award at international conference of soil scientists* "It is imperative professionals in my field develop sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce natural disasters or we might not survive." Andrews, A. 2020, Nevada Today
*Green Fountain Grass* Too often, attractive plants that we bring into the landscape from other regions turn out to be just too successful. They usually have no natural enemies in the new area, so they are able to thrive. They appear in wild areas and begin to out-compete native plants. One of these is green fountain grass. O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
*Greenstrips: Another Tool to Manage Wildfire* Greenstrips can be used to reduce the opportunity for man-caused fires to start or spread. They can reduce the size of wildfires and increase the effectiveness of the fire fighting effort, which reduces the cost. Greenstrips are also used to protect high value natural resources, Davidson, J., Smith E. 1997, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-97-36
*Homeowners invited to Nevada Fire Board public meeting and Q&A* University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living With Fire Program and the Nevada Fire Board of Directors invite homeowners to attend the Nevada Fire Board Meeting and Public Q&A session May 17. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about wildfires, wildfire safety and how to be prepared if a wildfire occurs in their communities. Kozsan, T. 2019, Nevada Today
*How can I prepare my home and neighborhood for a wildfire?* University experts caution actions taken by homeowners before a fire ever starts play a critical role. Smith, E. and Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
*How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Nevada Communities* A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Nevada’s wildfire prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-14
*How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Washoe County Communities* A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Washoe County’s wildfire-prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-06
*How to eradicate cheatgrass* Jim Sloan 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Fire Science Exchange Network: A National Evaluation of Initiative Impacts* The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Fire Science Exchange Network is composed of 15 Exchanges that act as boundary organizations tasked with improving fire science use within their respective regions. A survey conducted annually in 2011-2015 as part of a larger evaluation effort reveals significant impacts. Maletsky, L.D., Evans, W.P., Singletary, L., and Sicafuse, L. 2018, Journal of Forestry, 2018, 116(4): 328-335
*Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month County Proclamation Wording* Customize your county proclamation in support of Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month- May 2020. Roice-Gomes, J. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20
*Nevada's Weather and Climate* Weather and climate are related, but they are not the same. The difference between weather and climate is time. Practically speaking, weather determines which clothes you decide to put on today, but climate determines the type of clothes that are in your closet. Ormerod, Kerri Jean; McAfee, Stephanie 2017, Extension \| Fact Sheet 17-04
*Reducing cheatgrass fuel loads using fall cattle grazing.* Foster, S., Schmelzer, L., Wilker, J., Schultz, B., McAdoo, K., Swanson, S., and Perryman, B. 2015, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-15-03. P.11.
*Sign up for Emergency Notifications* Local Emergency Notification Systems, commonly known as Reverse Dial, are used by safety officials to send phone calls, emails and texts to a specific area with a prepared message during an emergency. Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
*Summary Report Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month 2019* Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month (NWAM) 2019 was held May 1–31, with events and activities taking place throughout the state. With the collaboration of partnering agencies, the Living With Fire program educated Nevada residents on minimizing the wildfire impact on communities by taking proactive steps to prepare. Roice-Gomes, J., Thom, A. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP 2019
*Taking Care of Residential Trees After Wildfire* Many trees can recover after fire, depending on the intensity and duration of the burn and extent of dehydration. After a fire it is important to determine which trees might recuperate and which will need to be removed. Skelly, J. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Carson City/Storey County, FS-04-57
*Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Defensible Space* As Nevada communities grow, so does the wildfire threat on homes. The term "defensible space" was coined to describe vegetation management practices aimed at reducing the wildfire threat to homes. This fact sheet addresses some of the frequently asked questions regarding defensible space. Smith, E. 1996, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-96-39
*The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches* Mulch plays an important role in Western residential landscapes. Unfortunately many mulches are combustible, a major drawback when used in home landscapes located in wildfire-prone areas. Using the results from an evaluation of mulch combustibility, recommendations are offered concerning the use of mulches. Quarles, S., Smith, E. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-04
*Understanding Homeowners’ Decisions to Mitigate Wildfire Risk and Create Defensible Space in Nevada* Wildland-urban interface communities across Nevada have programs in place to encourage homeowners to voluntarily undertake investments to reduce their wildfire threat and create defensible space on their properties. This study addresses two questions relevant to the design of these programs. Taylor, M., Restaino, C. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-32
*Up in smoke: University ecologists help firefighters protect Nevada's lands* Fires unleash devastating losses on Nevada ranches, grazing areas, and habitat. Each leaves Nevada lands more vulnerable to future fires. Knowing how to care for Nevada's land before and after disturbances is key to reducing wildland fire risk and repairing lands post-fire. This is where two University experts come in. Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
*What did we learn from the Caughlin Fire?* Jamie Roice-Gomes and Ashley Andrews break down 5 lessons learned following the Caughlin Fire Andrews, A. and Roice-Gomes, J. 2019, Nevada Today
*What Grows Back After The Fire* In the aftermath of wildfire, many homeowners are alarmed by the sudden change in appearance of the wildland vegetation surrounding their homes. At this time, a frequently asked question is "Will it grow back?" This fact sheet describes the response of some common northern Nevada rangeland plants to wildfire. Smith, E., Davidson, J. 1996, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. FS96-40
*What is defensible space and how do I create some around my home?* University experts help homeowners to make homes more fire safe Smith, E. and Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
*What is Firescaping?* Andrews, A. and Skelly, J. 2014, Reno Gazette-Journal
*What is firescaping? (2020)* University experts give tips on keeping your landscape from going up in flames Andrews, A. and Skelly, J. 2019, Nevada Today, University of Nevada, Reno
*Wildfire Evacuation Checklist* Information on how to prepare yourself, your home, and your family for a quick and safe wildfire evacuation. Be prepared! Please evacuate immediately when asked. Smith, Ed 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-07
*Wildfire Evacuation Checklist (Spanish)* Si su propiedad está en peligro de incendio y usted debe evacuar tenga en consideración las siguientes medidas de seguridad. Smith, E. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20
*Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide* This Guide includes specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfire. Restaino, C., Kocher, S., Shaw, N., Hawks, S., Murphy, C., Quarles, S. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-11
*Wildfires and Rodeos part of Reno Aces Country Festival game* University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living With Fire Program, in partnership with KBUL Radio, Reno Rodeo and Night in the Country, presents Country Festival: Reno Aces vs. Tacoma Rainiers on May 18 as part of both Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month and the Reno Rodeo 100th Anniversary Celebration. Kozsan, T. 2019, Nevada Today