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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
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 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno FS-09-05
Best management practices for livestock and equine during wildfire smoke events Wildfire can be an important tool in maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems. However, wildfires can also increase greenhouse gas emissions, devastate ecosystems, and decimate animal populations and their habitats, along with homes and other structures, creating hazardous health impacts on humans and animals. L. Chichester, M. Kay, J. Roice-Gomes, M. Allen, L. Taylor, S. Emm 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
Best Management Practices for Livestock and Equine during Wildfire Smoke Events The intent of this article is to provide recommendations for best management practices for livestock and equine owners during wildfire smoke events. Some of these recommendations may not be applicable to owners of large quantities of livestock and/or equine. Chichester, L, Kay, M., Roice-Gomes, J., Allen, M., Taylor, L. Emm, S. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
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 Change Impacts in Nevada Summarized in this fact sheet are specific details about how climate change has already and will continue to impact the state of Nevada and strategies that can be used to prepare for these changes. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
CodeRED in Washoe County If an emergency arises in Washoe County, public agencies utilize CodeRED to inform the public. Registering for CodeRED increases the likelihood that residents will receive these urgent notifications. Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
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 - Storey County Faced with the growing potential for loss of human life and property due to wildfire, Nevada’s local, state and federal firefighting agencies, Nevada Fire Safe Council, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Storey County government have come together to promote the Fire Adapted Communities concept. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-07
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony Fire Safe Chapter Smith Valley There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve the odds of human life and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication, “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony” is to promote and teach these steps. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2012, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-12-03
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
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
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
Impactos del Cambio Climático en Nevada En este artículo, se resumen detalles específicos sobre cómo el cambio climático ya ha afectado y seguirá afectando al estado de Nevada y las estrategias que pueden utilizarse para prepararse para estos cambios. McAfee, S., Restaino, C., Ormerrod, K., Dettinger, M., McEvoy, D., Kalansky, J., Cayan, D., Lachniet, M., Moser, S., VanderMolen, K., Wall, T. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-06
Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide Defensible Space is the buffer around a home where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire hazard. Creating defensible space increases the chance of home survival and provides a space for firefighters to safely defend the home during a wildfire event. Roice-Gomes, J., Restaino, C., Kay, M. 2023, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-23-07
Living With Smoke: How to be prepared for smoke exposure This fact sheet from the Living With Fire Program will help readers understand what is in wildfire smoke, why you should be concerned about wildfire smoke, and how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Roice-Gomes, J., Kay, M., Schnieder, B., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-114
Nevada Flood After Fire Guide The Nevada Flood After Fire Guide provides resources and guidance for Nevada residents on how to prepare for a flood after wildfire, how to stay safe during a flood, and what steps to take after the flood. Restaino, C., Jarrett, E., Olsen, D., Simmons, E., Bardsley, T., Fichtner, S., Rendo, C., Woodward, J., Schembre, C., James, E., Putz, T. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno SP-21-14
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
Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Hydrology Pinyon-juniper encroachment of sagebrush ecosystems alters water processes. This fact sheet details how this change in hydrology occurs and describes the effects of increased water runoff and soil erosion. Putz, T., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-115
Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Invasive Species This fact sheet provides information on the relationship between pinyon-juniper encroachment of sagebrush rangelands and invasive species, such as non-native annual grasses. Learn how encroachment and non-native grasses interact to influence ecosystem functioning and health. Putz, T., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-116
Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Wildfire Wildfire behavior is altered with pinyon-juniper encroachment of sagebrush ecosystems. In this fact sheet learn how wildfire fuel amounts and structure change with encroachment and the impacts of this on the landscape. Putz, T., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-117
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
Thinning and Sanitation: Tools for the management of bark beetles in the Lake Tahoe Basin From 1994 to 1996, five interstate forest fires in eastern Sierra Nevada forests chronically infested with bark beetles claimed $40 million in housing and property damage, timber loss, and soil stabilization costs. Donaldson, S., Seybold, S.J. 1998, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-98-42
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
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
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., Kay, M. 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