Fire-information video at Scolari's

Half-hour video presentations showing Nevadans how to better protect themselves and their homes from the threat of wildfire are now available for free rental on DVD and VHS at local Scolari's Food and Drug stores.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension produced the "Living With Fire" presentations that are available at Scolari's video rental counters in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Gardnerville, Fernley and Tonopah.

"We all know that in Nevada, it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when wildfire will threaten our communities," says Ed Smith, natural resources specialist with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, who is helping to spearhead the effort and produced the video presentations. "As Nevadans, we all need to work together and be proactive to reduce the threat of wildfire to our homes and neighborhoods."

Smith says that there are many things homeowners can do to make their homes safer from the threat of wildfire. They can create a defensible space in the area immediately surrounding their homes, clear away dead and dry vegetation, replace wood-shake roofs with fire-resistant roofs, and much more.

Besides the "Living With Fire" DVDs and videos, handouts and other materials are available to homeowners and groups wanting more information. Two new versions of the publication, "Living With Fire - Guide for the Homeowners," are also available throughout Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe. These include the Great Basin version for rural areas and the Lake Tahoe Basin version. The Easter Sierra Front version is also still available. The publications are free oat Scolari's, local fire agencies and offices of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. The projects were funded by the National Fire Plan and the Nevada Division of Forestry.

For more information on the "Living With Fire" DVDs and videos, the publications, or protecting your home from the threat of wildfire, go to www.livingwithfire.info or call University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, (775) 784-4848.