Fire Fest returns to the South Shore

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Helicopters will be the stars this year, as they land just outside the venue. 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.

Activities include fire engines and other big trucks on display, a Burn House Sprinkler demonstration, SLTPD K-9/SWAT Team demonstration, vehicle extrication, home safety ideas, free hand out material and lots of special attractions for kids, such as water fights, face painting, fire extinguisher demonstration, campfire safety and a special appearance by Smokey Bear and other friends.

By visiting different booths, kids can earn a ticket for a drawing to have firefighters come to their school for a pizza party!

Sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Kiwanis Club, this year Fire Fest is celebrating 23 years as the community's annual event hosted by our local fire agencies, including CAL FIRE, Fallen Leaf Lake CSD Fire Department, Lake Valley Fire District, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Tahoe Douglas Fire District and the U.S. Forest Service. This event highlights all of our safety agencies and creates a day that celebrates fire and life safety for children and families.

BELFOR, Liberty Utilities, SERVPRO, South Tahoe Public Utility District, South Tahoe Refuse and Recycling, Southwest Gas and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency have added home safety and energy and water conservation to this broad ranging community event with interests for everyone.

Lake Tahoe Fire Academy cadets and the California Conservation Corp volunteers will 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 to 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 8-14. 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/.