KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Lake County’s fourth Wildfire Safety Expo will be held on Saturday, May 18.
It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kelseyville Lumber Home Improvement Center, 3555 N. Main St.
Presented by the Lake County Fire Safe Council, this free community event will provide information to homeowners to help them prepare for a wildfire.
Partners for this event include the Kelseyville, Lake County, Lake Pillsbury, Lakeport, Northshore, and South Lake Fire Protection Districts; the Lake County Fire Chiefs’ Association; Cal Fire; the Bureau of Land Management; and US Forest Service.
A vendor fair will focus on fuel reduction methods, home fire safety information, and fire safe landscaping tips.
Representatives from Lake County’s Animal Care and Control will be on hand to answer homeowners’ questions and provide information on the Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection program.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and the Master Gardeners will be available for fire safe landscaping tips, and information for the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Communities program also will be available.
“After the 2012 fire season, I think residents recognize the importance of being ready for the probability of wildfire. The Expo will provide them with the information they need to help accomplish that,” said Lake County Fire Safe Council Project Coordinator Linda Juntunen. “This event also provides an opportunity for the community to talk with local firefighters and thank them for the work they do. It’s a chance to acknowledge and thank all the first responders and volunteers that assist with wildfire response.”
Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog will be on hand for the kids; children’s games, and drawings for free prizes will be held throughout the day.
Thanks to the generosity of the Lake County Fire Chiefs’ Association, there also will be a bounce house this year. Firefighting demonstrations will be conducted, and present-day and antique fire equipment will be on display.
“This event is for Lake County residents and will provide ‘one stop shopping’ for homeowners to take responsibility for their own safety and protection during the upcoming fire season. One of our themes is ‘Help them (firefighters) help you.’ Make it possible for the fire agencies to protect your homes safely and effectively” said Jeff Tunnell, fire mitigation and education specialist for the Bureau of Land Management.
Take responsibility by learning how to protect your home and create the necessary defensible space. Be fire wise and fire safe this season. Be sure to attend the Wildfire Safety Expo. It’s an event with something for the entire family. And it’s free.
Contact Juntunen at 707-263-4180, Extension 106, for additional information.