Nevada County, CA – Ready for fun while preparing for wildfire season at the same time? Celebrate National Wildfire Awareness Day at the Wildfire-Ready Festival & Expo on Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. –5 p.m., at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley.
The event features live demonstrations, games, vendors, featured speakers, Smokey Bear, fire engines, fire fighters, food trucks, Firewise Community hands-on education booths, and more!
It’s nice, cool, and damp now—but fire season is on its way. The Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County has lined up activities, games, and demonstrations—something for everyone.
Firefighter Races and Contests
A hot dog-eating contest and a bucket brigade contest between fire departments will be the star events at 1 p.m.
“The firefighter hot dog-eating contest was so much fun at another fire event. I decided to feature it at our festival. They can eat and they love to compete,” said Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman, Wildfire-Ready Coalition President.
Games to Get Ready for Wildfire Season
Test your knowledge of evacuation safety and Red Flag weather warnings with Wildfire-Ready Bingo.
Ready to get your home prepared as you evacuate? See how fast and how far you can throw outdoor furniture cushions away from your deck.
Live Demonstrations
See fuel-munching goats, a tree-climbing demonstration, and burning mulch.
“We often hear that mulch is a fire hazard, but seeing the demonstration burn at last year’s event convinced me that it’s dangerous next to my home,” said Terry Hastings, Harmony Firewise Leader.
Hear what a hi-lo siren sounds like—the kind sheriffs use to notify you of immediate evacuation orders.
Fire-Safe Homes and Fire-Smart Landscaping
The first lines of defense for our homes are ember- and flame-resistant materials and good defensible space. Exhibits and demonstrations by local vendors include:
- Home hardening
- Fire-Smart Landscaping
- Fuel clearing and tree services
- Prescribed burn contractors
“California Certified Prescribed Burn Bosses will be there to discuss options for your property,” said Fites-Kaufman. “Prescribed burning reduces wildfire risk and restores habitat.”
Another must-see live demonstration, she said, is how non-combustible siding performs when exposed to direct flames.
Resources for Residents
Learn about grants and free resources to prepare your property.
“EQIP funding from the Natural Resources Conservation District helped me thin my forest, and now I’m working with Nevada County Resource Conservation District on prescribed fire. I feel safer,” said Jeff Peach, Banner Mountain resident.
Emergency service agencies and supporting organizations will be there, including:
• Nevada County OES – information on the new Nevada County Emergency Alert System
• Nevada County Sheriff HEART – resources for safe animal evacuations, go bag information for horses, goats and more
• Nevada City OES and Grass Valley Fire Prevention – resources for city residents
• United Way – Neighbors Helping Neighbors evacuation planning tool
Do-It-Yourself and Hands-On Education Booths – by Firewise Communities
Firewise Communities will showcase hands-on, practical skills:
• Ask an Expert – Ask a Firewise Community Leader
• DIY ember-resistant vents
• Dangerous, flammable invasive weeds – identify and learn how to combat them
• Low-cost, DIY Zone 0 solutions
• What’s in your go-bag?
“I have three go bags—personal, pets, and car. Come see what’s in them,” said Kristen Cook, You Bet Firewise Leader.
About the Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County
The Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports wildfire education, Firewise Communities, and collaborative preparedness efforts. Its mission is to move communities from awareness to action. Join us and support the Coalition’s workshops, community events, Firewise Community support, and more.