NV Energy Director of Operations, Northeast District Tony Gildone recognizes the wildfire preparedness work of the prize-winning Battle Mountain FFA team.
RENO — Nevada Youth are taking action to prepare their communities for wildfire. This summer, teams of Nevada youth from grades K-12 participated in the first ever Nevada Youth Wildfire Preparedness Challenge organized by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program.
This year’s grand prize-winning team, the Battle Mountain Future Farmers Association (FFA) walked away with a whopping $1,500 prize, sponsored by the NV Energy Foundation in recognition of the team’s outstanding work in their community.
The team of students identified defensible space needs on a local ranch in Battle Mountain, and then cleared dead vegetation and installed a new water line for trees on the property.
“One thing I enjoyed about being a part of the Living With Fire Challenge was the fact that we had an enormous task before us but as we all worked together it was amazing to see the difference and progress that we made,” said FFA student Ella. “This gave me a sense of accomplishment that we could provide a safer living environment that will help prevent fires.”
The group is using the prize funds to go to the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis to further their education in agriculture and environmental impacts.
Spencer Eusden with Extension’s Living With Fire Program says that, besides the prize money, students participating in the contest gain an understanding of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of wildfire, which can also help alleviate some of the trauma that they may experience when wildfires do occur.
“Although wildfires can be big scary events with a lot of things out of our control, taking action to prepare for wildfire before it happens is a great way to reduce your risk of wildfire and bring more peace of mind when wildfires do happen,” he said. This is especially true for youth, who are more vulnerable to experiencing trauma from wildfire.”
The NV Youth Wildfire Preparedness Challenge for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for submissions. Thanks to continued support from the NV Energy Foundation, first-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded to winning teams from three age groups, K-5, 6-7 and 9-12.
“NV Energy is committed to reducing the risk of wildfire across Nevada,” said Tony Gildone, NV Energy Director of Operations, Northeast Districts. “The Battle Mountain FFA team has shown how youth can make a difference in their community for preparing for wildfire. The NV Energy Foundation is proud to recognize their impact, and to continue to support this program.”
Full details for entering this year’s challenge can be found online. Entries are due by May 15. For more information about how to support Living With Fire and Extension, contact Robin Schimandle, development director, at Robin@unr.edu