This Guide includes specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfre. Each section contains an explanation of how the component is vulnerable to wildfire and what can be done to improve that component. The illustrations throughout the Guide are intended to show best practices for reducing the vulnerability of a home to wildfire.

Inside This Guide:

  • Defensible Space
  • Siding
  • Chimneys
  • Roofs
  • Skylights
  • Fences
  • Roof Edges
  • Windows
  • Rain Gutters
  • Decks
  • Online Resources
  • Vents
  • Garages

Use the link below to download the complete guide.

Restaino, C., Kocher, S., Shaw, N., Hawks, S., Murphy, C., Quarles, S. 2020, Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-11
Printable    Version    (PDF)

Learn more about the author(s)

Megan Kay
Megan Kay
Christina Restaino
Christina Restaino
 

Also of Interest:

 
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CodeRED en el condado de Washoe
CodeRED es un sistema de notificaciones que envía mensajes de emergencia a personas ubicadas en regiones afectadas, como poblaciones o comunidades específicas.
 Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., and Restaino, C. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
flood map of reno
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
Historical Fire and Ventenata dubia Invasion in a Temperate Grassland
Ventenata is an invasive annual grass that has rapidly expanded its range across temperate grassland and shrub-steppe ecosystems in western North America.
 Luke W. Ridder, JoAnna M.Perrena, Lesley R.Morris, Bryan A.Endress, Robert V.Taylord, Bridgett J.Naylore 2021, Rangeland Ecology & Management, Vol 75, March 2021, Pg. 35-40
Grazing Twice
Informational Publication describing the benefits from multiple grazing periods, impacts on plant health and stress, animal nutrition, fire in Nevada, livestock management, and general grazing and management practices.
 Swanson, S., Voth, D. 2019, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, IP-19-05
A house and car completely engulfed in flames
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
 

Associated Programs

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Living With Fire

Helping Nevadans and visitors prepare for wildfire

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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.

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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.