West Lakes Fire Department reuniting with public for Wildfire Preparedness Day

WASILLA— The public is invited to join the West Lakes Fire Department for the second annual Wildfire Preparedness Day Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This community event focuses on education and raising awareness regarding general fire safety. There will be several live demonstrations on topics such as emergency preparedness, hands-only CPR, how to maintain a property that’s more resistant to fire, and safe burning techniques.

“This time of year, we are continuously answering questions about burn permits and the safest way to get rid of yard debris,” West Lakes Fire Chief Tawnya Hightower said.

This is a family-friendly event with several activities for children, including a bounce house. There will be free hot dogs served from 12 to 1 p.m. There will be burn permits available throughout the event, and a legal burn barrel will be offered as a door prize.

Community partners such as the Houston Fire Department, the Division of Forestry, MEA, Enstar, and Horseshoe Lake Firewise are participating in this event.

There will be tours of the West Lakes station offered during the event. Hightower said they’re excited to reunite with the public and continue this annual tradition for a safer and fire-wise community.

“We’re a community resource and service,” Hightower said.

Station 7-1 is located at 1685 North Pittman Road in Meadow Lakes. For more information, call 907-861-8071 or visit the West Lakes Fire Department Facebook page.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com