The Ember House

The Ember House is a youth activity that promotes wildfire ember awareness for young and old alike. Built by University of Nevada Reno, Extension, the Ember House is a scaled-down house front featuring spots vulnerable to embers, such as rain gutters with pine needles, a wood shake roof, an open window, unscreened vents, a juniper bush and an open garbage can. When used at community events, youth participants are given three beanbag “embers” which they toss at the house, trying to land them onto the vulnerable spots.

Hopefully, the parents are asking “Why do they have my child throwing beanbag embers at this house?” which presents a valuable teachable moment. This is a great time to hand out the Be Ember Aware! publication and discuss ember preparedness with the adults.

Ember House 3.0 is available for use at your school, community or fire station event. You can reserve it for your own use with advance notice, or when available, a Living With Fire program representative can be asked to participate. Ember House 3.0 should be transported behind the front seat of an extended cab truck or SUV. If using the bed of a truck, it must be placed face down with the brackets facing up. It can be assembled quickly, but requires two individuals. When using the Ember House 3.0, sand bags must be used to stabilize the structure.