East Fork Ember Foundation

04/20/2026

🚨 Did You Know? Your Local Fire District at Work

Right here in our community, the East Fork Fire Protection District is responding to emergencies every single day—and the numbers tell an incredible story of service, commitment, and impact.

By the Numbers:
• Over 32,000 incidents responded to in just the past 5 years
• Approximately 79% of all calls are EMS and rescue-related
• A median response time of about 7 minutes to get help on scene
• Only about 1.6% of calls are actual fires—highlighting the critical role of emergency medical services in our community

Behind every number is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting lives, property, and the well-being of our community. From medical emergencies to wildfires, they are there—24/7. Learn more about their work or find ways to support: https://eastforkfire.org/ https://embernv.org/

04/10/2026

🔥 Stand with Your East Fork Fire & Paramedic District 🔥

When emergencies strike, our firefighters and paramedics are there—day or night—ready to respond, protect, and serve our community with courage and compassion.

The East Fork Ember Foundation is proud to support the vital work of the East Fork Fire & Paramedic District by helping fund critical resources, equipment, and community recovery efforts that go beyond traditional funding.

💛 You can make a difference.
Your donation helps ensure our first responders have the tools, training, and support they need to continue showing up when it matters most.

Every contribution—big or small—directly impacts the safety, resilience, and recovery of our community.

👉 Learn more about our mission and donate today: https://embernv.org/

Together, we can stand behind those who stand for all of us.

03/26/2026

🌿 Friendly Reminder: Help Prevent Wildfires in Our Community 🔥

After a dry winter here in Douglas County, our landscape is more susceptible to fire than usual this time of year. As we head into warmer days, it’s a great time for all of us to take a few simple steps to help keep our community safe.

A few easy ways to reduce fire risk:

• Be mindful with any outdoor burning and follow local guidelines
• Properly dispose of cigarettes—especially when outdoors or driving
• Check that trailer chains are secured to avoid dragging and sparking
• Use caution with tools or equipment that may create heat or sparks
• Make sure campfires are completely out—drown, stir, and feel for heat
• Clear dry brush and vegetation around your home to create defensible space

A little extra awareness can go a long way in preventing fires and protecting our neighborhoods.

We appreciate the continued efforts of our community and partners like East Fork Fire Protection District, who work every day to keep us safe.

Let’s all do our part and look out for one another. 💛

01/08/2026

LOVE WHERE WE LIVE

Douglas County and the Douglas County Community Services Foundation are pleased to announce that Jackson & Whitaker Wealth Management has generously sponsored the 2025 Naming Right for the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, located on Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville. This marks the firm’s third consecutive year supporting the Center through this sponsorship.

Through their contribution, Jackson & Whitaker Wealth Management will continue to have their name prominently displayed at the entrance of the Senior Center’s Grandview Dining Room, a space that serves as a vital gathering place for local seniors and community members.

"At Jackson & Whitaker, we believe in investing not only in financial futures but in the communities that shape those futures”, said Donovan (Bo) Jackson, of Jackson & Whitaker. “We are proud to support the Douglas County Community Services Foundation in its efforts to enhance the Recreation and Senior Centers in Douglas County. This recognition is an honor, and we remain committed to fostering partnerships that empower and enrich the lives of those we serve, both financially and through meaningful community outreach."

The Community Services Foundation is grateful for Jackson & Whitaker’s continued commitment to our community. Community Services Foundation President, Renea Louie said, “Jackson & Whitaker’s continued generosity is a powerful reflection of what makes Douglas County so special. Their three-year commitment to the Senior Center directly strengthens the well-being of our seniors and elevates the heart of our community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their dedication to ensuring our residents have a warm, welcoming place to gather, connect, and thrive.”

Douglas County Community Services Department Director, Brook Adie expressed her gratitude for the fundraising efforts of the Community Services Foundation. “The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting our department. Naming Rights opportunities not only allow local business to show their support and gain visibility throughout our facilities, they also directly support our youth scholarship program, ensuring that all youth and teens have access to our community centers.”

For those interested in supporting the Foundation and wish to make a gift, donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 838 Minden, NV 89423, or call (775) 782-5500.

01/03/2026

This morning, the East Fork Ember Foundation delivered $10,000 in Fire Recovery Assistance to the East Fork Fire Protection District , to support the nine families who lost their homes in the recent Sagebrook fire.

In addition to the financial support, our community stepped up in extraordinary ways. Thanks to our partners, families also received handmade quilts made with love, food gift certificates, and many other thoughtful donations to help with immediate needs and comfort.

The East Fork Fire Protection District is meeting individually with each family today, providing privacy and dignity as the checks and donated items from the Foundation and their partners are distributed directly.

We are incredibly grateful to the more than 40 donors and Ember Board members who contributed in the very first week, and to every person and business who gave, helped, shared, or showed up. Douglas County is truly a special community—neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most.

The outpouring of support from this community has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Chief Ernst, East Fork Fire and Paramedic District. “Our firefighters and paramedics are proud to serve Douglas County, and seeing neighbors come together so quickly to support families who lost everything is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. On behalf of our crews and the families impacted, thank you to everyone who stepped up.”

Recovery efforts will continue. Please continue your donations, as this will be a long road, and we will keep the community updated as additional support is provided.

Douglas County is an incredible community. Neighbors helping neighbors is not just a phrase here—it is how this community shows up. The generosity demonstrated in just the first week has been extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful to every donor who stepped forward.

💛 Thank you, Douglas County. 💛

12/30/2025

✨ End the Year by Lifting Our Community ✨

As we close out the year, we’re reminded that the true strength of the Carson Valley is found in how we show up for one another—especially in moments of need.

The East Fork Ember Foundation was created to support our local Firefighting professionals and our neighbors through emergencies, recovery, and resilience. This year’s challenges have shown just how vital local support can be—and how powerful generosity truly is.

An end-of-year gift helps ensure we can respond quickly, compassionately, and responsibly when our community needs it most. Every contribution stays local and directly supports individuals and families right here at home.

Ways to Give:

🌐 Donate online: embernv.org
💵 Cash or check drop-off locations:

Carson Valley Swim Center
1600 Hwy 88, Minden, NV

Sotera Global Management
1663 N Hwy 395, Suite 100, Minden, NV

As you consider your year-end giving, we invite you to be part of something meaningful. Together, we can carry hope forward into the new year. ❤️

👉 Give today and help keep the embers of community, compassion, and care burning bright.

12/24/2025

Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of support for the Foundation's work and for the victims of the recent fire. We will continue to keep the entire community updated as our work and efforts progress.

To all the community members who have already donated—thank you. You are truly making a meaningful difference. Your generosity, compassion, and kindness reflect the very best of Douglas County, Nevada. If you wish to donate, please visit www.embernv.org


Renea Louie
Shannon Harris
Shawnyne Garren
East Fork Professional Firefighters
East Fork Fire Protection District
Douglas County, Nevada
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office - Nevada
Battle Born Medevac

Empowering our firefighters with the tools they need to protect Carson Valley lives and communities Click to make an online donation - Thank you for your support Donate Today

12/23/2025

Please donate what you can and share with your networks. Thanks so much. Renea

12/23/2025

East Fork Ember Foundation Announces Fire Recovery Fund to Support Gardnerville Ranchos Fire Victims

To make a donation go to www.embernv.org

For Immediate Release December 23, 2025, Minden, Nevada - In response to the recent fire that destroyed multiple homes and displaced families in the Gardnerville Ranchos, the East Fork Ember Foundation today announced the establishment of a dedicated Fire Recovery Fund to support impacted residents and assist ongoing local recovery efforts.

Formed in Summer 2025, the East Fork Ember Foundation was created to strengthen firefighter readiness, enhance emergency response capabilities, protect the lives, homes, and businesses of Carson Valley communities and support victims of fire.
While the Foundation was preparing for its formal public launch in January 2026, the severity of this event underscored the urgent need to act—activating its mission in real time to support our neighbors in crisis.

The Fire Recovery Fund is designed to provide immediate relief and short-term recovery assistance for individuals and families affected by the fire to support the immediate needs of displaced residents impacted by the fire in coordination with the East Fork Fire Protection District.

“Our community has experienced a sudden and devastating loss,” said General Rick Nelson (Ret.), Chairman of the Board. “The East Fork Ember Foundation was created for moments like this. The Fire Recovery Fund allows us to respond quickly, coordinate responsibly, and ensure help reaches those who need it most.”

The Foundation’s mission is rooted in the belief that local response is strongest when supported by local leadership and community investment—ensuring resources are deployed swiftly, transparently, and where they are most needed.

“Every dollar raised through the Fire Recovery Fund for the December Ranchos Fire victims will be deployed with transparency and care,” said Jacques Etchegoyen, Ember Foundation Vice Chairman, retired Douglas County Commissioner, East Fork Fire Board and lifetime Carson Valley resident. “This fund provides a trusted, organized way for the community to help during a critical time.”

Community Leadership & Oversight
The East Fork Ember Foundation is governed by a community-led board committed to stewardship, accountability, and long-term public safety:
Chairman: General Rick Nelson (Ret.), Senior Vice President, Mark IV Capital
Vice Chairman: Jacques Etchegoyen, Retired
Second Vice Chairwoman: Shannon Harris, Director, Carson Valley Swim Center
Secretary: Shawnyne Garren, Douglas County Recorder
Treasurer: Renea Louie, CEO, Business Council of Douglas County and CEO Sotera Global Management
Stakeholder Advisor: Chief Alan Ernst, East Fork Fire Protection District
Stakeholder Advisor: Deputy, Chief Larry Goss, East Fork Fire Protection District
Stakeholder Advisor: Joey Loehner, CEO Rural Medevac Alliance

“Our role is to provide a reliable local channel for giving,” said Shannon Harris, Second Vice Chairwoman. “The Fire Recovery Fund ensures donations are properly designated, coordinated with response partners, and used where they will make the greatest impact.”

Ways to Donate to the Fire Recovery Fund
It is easy to support the East Fork Ember Foundation Fire Recovery Fund.
Easily access the Foundation website www.embernv.org and click the donate button to make a secure, private donation.

Donations may also be made at any Greater Nevada Credit Union branch by depositing funds directly into the Foundation’s account:
Account Name: East Fork Ember Foundation *please call us for account number*
Memo: Sagebrook Fire Recovery Fund

Checks can be made payable to: East Fork Ember Foundation
Memo: “Sagebrook Fire Recovery Fund and may also be mailed or dropped off in person to: 1663 US Hwy 395 N., Suite 100, Minden, NV 89423 or dropped off at the Carson Valley Swim Center.

Corporate, Foundation & Matching Gifts
Businesses, foundations, and employers offering matching gift programs are encouraged to participate. Corporate contributions, sponsorships, and coordinated relief donations are urged.
About the East Fork Ember Foundation

Established in 2025, the East Fork Ember Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the East Fork Fire Protection District by funding firefighter training, equipment, technology, community safety initiatives as well as fire victim relief. The Foundation exists to bridge critical funding gaps, empower first responders, and protect Carson Valley communities, especially during emergency events.

The East Fork Ember Foundation is a qualified nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Together, we can help families recover, support our firefighters, and strengthen our community’s resilience.

For further details or reporting call
Shawnyne Garren
775) 450-2534
or email [email protected]

# # END # #

12/23/2025

This past week’s fire response was a powerful reminder of the dedication and courage of the East Fork Fire Protection District here in Gardnerville. When most people are running away from danger, these men and women run toward it—without hesitation. They show up on what are often the worst days of someone’s life, bringing calm, skill, and compassion into chaotic moments. Their professionalism, teamwork, and selfless service do not go unnoticed. Thank you for standing ready at all hours and for protecting our community with such commitment and heart. Great job, and deep appreciation to each of you. We also send out our heartfelt condolences to the families who have been affected by this tragedy.

First reported around 11:30 a.m. by residents on neighboring Pollen Court, the fire started in the Sagebrook Village Apartments, whose entrance is off Pit Road.