The Living With Fire Activity Book is an engaging, educational resource designed to help children and families understand wildfire as a natural and essential part of the environment while learning practical strategies for safety and preparedness. Developed through collaboration between the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and partner organizations, the book supports community wildfire resilience through accessible, age-appropriate education.

Organized into eight interactive “missions,” the activity book introduces key concepts such as fire ecology, the benefits of fire to forest health, and the science behind wildfire behavior. Children learn how fire functions in natural systems, including the role of fire-adapted plants and animals and the use of prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain ecosystem balance.

The book emphasizes actionable preparedness strategies for living safely in fire-prone environments. Topics include identifying wildfire risks (such as combustible fuels and ember exposure), creating defensible space around homes, improving air quality safety during smoke events, and preparing evacuation plans and go-bags. Each mission combines educational content with hands-on activities that reinforce learning and empower youth to take part in household and community preparedness efforts.

Additionally, the resource addresses emotional resilience by acknowledging that wildfire events can be stressful or frightening. It provides simple coping strategies to help children remain calm and feel supported during emergencies.

The Living With Fire Activity Book is an engaging, educational resource designed to help children and families understand wildfire as a natural and essential part of the environment while learning practical strategies for safety and preparedness. Developed through collaboration between the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and partner organizations, the book supports community wildfire resilience through accessible, age-appropriate education.

Organized into eight interactive “missions,” the activity book introduces key concepts such as fire ecology, the benefits of fire to forest health, and the science behind wildfire behavior. Children learn how fire functions in natural systems, including the role of fire-adapted plants and animals and the use of prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain ecosystem balance.

The book emphasizes actionable preparedness strategies for living safely in fire-prone environments. Topics include identifying wildfire risks (such as combustible fuels and ember exposure), creating defensible space around homes, improving air quality safety during smoke events, and preparing evacuation plans and go-bags. Each mission combines educational content with hands-on activities that reinforce learning and empower youth to take part in household and community preparedness efforts.

Additionally, the resource addresses emotional resilience by acknowledging that wildfire events can be stressful or frightening. It provides simple coping strategies to help children remain calm and feel supported during emergencies.