University of Nevada Cooperative Extension invites residents affected by the Washoe Drive Fire to informational sessions on January 26, 30 and 31 to discuss post-fire insurance questions, learn how to help their landscapes recover from a wildfire and steps that can be taken now to help protect homes from embers during the next wildfire.

The presentations will run from 6-7 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Elementary School located at 405 Surrey Drive.

Thursday, January 26: Rajat Jain and Marie Holt, Nevada Division of Insurance, will present “Insurance – Recover, Rebuild, Restore” and field questions. The Nevada Division of Insurance protects the rights of Nevada’s consumers and is available to help file an insurance claim or answer questions about insurance.

Monday, January 30: JoAnne Skelly, UNCE Extension Educator Carson City/Storey County, will provide tips for homeowners on post-fire landscape care. Skelly worked extensively with property owners and their landscapes after the Waterfall Fire and will share what she learned from that experience.

Tuesday, January 31: Ed Smith, UNCE Natural Resource Specialist, will present the video “Be Ember Prepared” and will answer questions from the audience. Windblown embers were a major factor in home losses in both the Caughlin and Washoe Drive Fires. Additional information on how to “Be Ember Aware” is also available at www.livingwithfire.info.

The sessions are free and open to the public. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Sonya Sistare at 775-336-0271 or sistares@unce.unr.edu in advance of the event. UNCE is an EEO/AA institution.