A multi-state proclamation, signed by the Governors of Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Washington, recognizes May 2015 as Wildfire Awareness Month and encourages all citizens to “learn to live safely in a wildfire environment.”
With the spread of urban development into wildland areas, the wildfire threat to communities and individual homeowners has dramatically increased. Climate trends and the build-up of forest fuels have further amplified the risk of wildfires. The Governors encourage residents to be aware of potential hazards and to learn how to respond if their lives and homes are threatened.
Nevada State Forester Bob Rober explained, “There are many steps individuals can take before a fire, such as creating defensible space around homes and making sure there is access for emergency responders. It’s also a good idea to have an evacuation plan and to know what to do if you can’t evacuate. That knowledge could save your life.”
For more information about what you can do to protect your home, property and community from wildfire and for a list of Wildfire Awareness Month activities scheduled throughout Nevada, visit www.livingwithfire.info.
