University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Living With Fire Program is hosting the second annual Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities Conference, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 9 in Reno. Attendees will learn about the progress of The Network, as well as hear firsthand accounts of the emotional and financial costs of recent wildfires from several speakers, including Carlene Anders, a volunteer firefighter, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District's Fire Chief Mike Brown, who served as incident commander on several large fires in the area.

Anders is also executive director of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group, a nonprofit organization formed to address both long-term community needs and the rebuilding of homes and other structures lost in the Carlton Complex Fire, the largest wildfire in the history of Washington State. With this experience, Anders will discuss the impact of wildfire from both a personal and a community perspective, including the lingering social, economic and emotional phases of disaster. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about preparing for and surviving a wildfire.

The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Individuals interested in helping their community, county or area of responsibility reduce the wildfire threat and move toward becoming a fire adapted community are welcome to attend, including community leaders; homeowners association representatives; homeowners; members of local and volunteer fire departments; federal, state and local government agency representatives; members of the landscape and construction industry; and county emergency managers. Reimbursement of travel expenses are available to community and volunteer firefighters who participate in the conference, available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The conference will be held in the Paradise Room at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St. in Reno. For more information, to download a flyer to share, or to register, visit LivingWithFire.info. The deadline to register is Oct. 23. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.