Firefest returns to South Lake Tahoe

Fire Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about fire safety and conservation.

Helicopters will star again this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines. Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

New this year is the chance to Dunk a Fire Chief! Other activities include fire engines and utility equipment, vehicle extrication, home safety ideas, free hand out material and lots of special attractions for kids, like water fights, how to use a fire extinguisher, campfire safety and a special appearance by Smokey Bear and other friends. By visiting the different booths, kids can earn a ticket for a drawing for a cool prize.

This event highlights all local safety agencies. Fire Fest, sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Kiwanis Club, is a day of fire prevention and life safety for children and families. Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Fallen Leaf Lake CSD Fire Department, South Tahoe Fire Rescue, CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service are all participating along with Southwest Gas, South Tahoe Public Utility District, South Tahoe Refuse and Recycling, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and SERVPRO. Lake Tahoe Fire Academy cadets and the California Conservation Corp volunteers assist throughout the event.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase and are masterfully barbequed by the Kiwanis Club, along with other snacks at family-friendly prices.

Fire Fest began as a way recognize National Fire Prevention Week, which was initially established in remembrance of the great Chicago fire of 1891, and to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the second Sunday in October. This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 7-13. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record, according to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center. Learn more about Fire Prevention Week at http://www.nfpa.org/.

Fire safety guide: https://www.adtsecurity.com/fire-safety-guide/