RENO — Firefighting agencies, the Nevada Fire Safe Council, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Living with Fire program and others are hosting a community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1 at the University of Nevada, Reno Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Pkwy.

The event will be an opportunity for area residents to learn more about protecting their homes from wildfire. The event will also feature fun activities for children, including a chance to climb aboard firefighting helicopters and fire engines, practice safety in the Fire Safety House and watch water-drop exercises on the nearby hillsides. Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog will be on hand and there will be a free raffle and a chance to win prizes.

Parents can visit with vendors displaying products that help protect homes from wildfire embers, which can be lofted high into the air during a wildfire and travel as far as a mile from the blaze. Embers are a main reason many homes ignite during a wildfire.

Organizers are urging Nevada residents this year to “Be Ember Prepared” and to take action before the fire season starts to make their homes safer when wildfire embers arrive.

The May 1 community event is the kickoff for Wildfire Awareness Week, which includes special events around the state through May 8. For details on Wildfire Awareness Week events, go to www.livingwithfire.info.

For more information about the May 1 event, call 856-8403.