VII. Summary

Extreme fire hazard conditions throughout much of the Virginia Highlands Community, Zone 1 in particular, necessitate urgent and significant fuel reduction projects. It is critical that homeowner associations meet and distribute information to residential and absentee property owners regarding the FIRE SAFE RECOMMENDAITONS for their zone. Neighbors must be encouraged to participate in cooperative efforts to construct effective fuel breaks to:

• Assure safe escape from the area during a wildfire emergency;
• Improve fire-fighting opportunities; and
• Slow the advance of dangerous fire storms throughout the community.

Fire agency experts agree that it is not a matter of “if” but “when” wildfire will reach the Virginia Highlands. Reducing fuel hazards and improving firefighter safety are the personal and civic responsibilities of all who choose to live in the wildland urban interface.

In the event that the property owner does not comply with fire hazard reduction plans to reduce the risks of wildfire, the Nevada Division of Forestry, as the agency responsible for wildfire protection, is authorized to carry out fuel reduction projects to lessen the risk of wildfire within the Virginia Highlands Community. Costs incurred for fire hazard reduction are the responsibility of the property owner and may be attached to county property tax (NRS 473.100).

There are no guarantees against the loss of property during a wind-driven crown fire in the dense pinyon-juniper woodlands that characterize the heart of the Virginia Highlands Community. The recommendations in this report have been compiled to significantly reduce your risks and improve the chances of saving your life and your home during a catastrophic wildfire. To be most effective, fuels reduction should be adopted and implemented on a community-wide basis. Public education and awareness, neighbors helping neighbors, and proactive individuals setting examples for others to follow are just some of the approaches that will be necessary to meet the FIRE SAFE HIGHLANDS’ goals to improve fire safety in the community.