Behind the Badge
The big, furry guy stood out in the council chambers.
But Smokey Bear’s appearance April 21 at the Anaheim City Council was timely and important.
With the state still gripped in an ominous drought and warmer temperatures just around the corner, Smokey Bear and Anaheim Fire Marshal Jeff Lutz thanked the City Council for a proclamation recognizing Wildfire Awareness Week, May 3-9.
And the two took the opportunity to announce that on May 2, the public is invited to Community Wildfire Preparedness Day at Anaheim Fire Station 10.
The event will include preparing an area for the city’s first FireSafe Demonstration Garden, which will serve to educate Anaheim residents on how to create a defensible space around their home with fire-resistive and drought tolerant plantings.
Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day to remove turf and an existing irrigation system to prepare for the FireSafe Garden, a 6,900-square-foot space that will be filled with fire-resistant plants that require 75 percent less water than traditional landscaping.
Station 10 is located at 8270 E. Monte Vista, Anaheim, and interested volunteers are asked to RSVP Natalie Sanchez at 714-765-4066. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and wear and hat and sunscreen.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical for residents to learn about ways to conserve water while still being able to create a beautiful garden that is resistant to fire,” Lutz said.
“It will be a day of fun and education,” Lutz added, “and we encourage families to come out learn how Anaheim Fire & Rescue is taking a proactive role to keeping the city and all of its residents safe.”
Visit Anaheim.net/fire for more information.
Assistant Fire Marshal Allen Hogue of Anaheim Fire & Rescue, left, with Smokey Bear and Anaheim Fire Marshal Jeff Lutz after they received a proclamation from the Anaheim City Council about Wildfire Awareness Week, May 3-9.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
