Behind the Badge
They dug.
They shoveled.
They moved around wheelbarrows full of dirt.
Several volunteers devoted their Saturday morning May 2 to help clear an area of land at Anaheim Fire & Rescue Station 10 to make way for what will be the city’s first FireSafe Demonstration Garden.
The event, hosted by Anaheim Fire & Rescue, was a precursor to Wildfire Awareness Week, May 3-9.
The preparation of the land was the focus of Community Wildfire Preparedness Day at Station 10.
The FireSafe Demonstration Garden, scheduled to open to the public this fall, will serve to educate Anaheim residents on how to create a defensible space around their home with fire-resistive and drought-tolerant plantings.
Volunteers Kellie Thomas of Home Depot, left, Bill Kelly, Fred Chun and Mike Douglas work to clear a lot next to Anaheim Fire & Rescue Station 10 before installing a FireSafe and drought resistant demonstration garden. Douglas wanted to volunteer after being rescued by Anaheim firefighters from a motorcycle accident in December 2013 (and a medical aid situation in 2012). “I wanted to give back to the fire department for doing such an outstanding job,” Douglas said.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Volunteers toiled away from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2, removing 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.
“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,” said Anaheim Fire Marshal Jeff Lutz, who was among the many Anaheim Fire & Rescue staff who participated in the May 2 event.
“It was a day of fun and education, and it was great to see residents come out and learn how Anaheim Fire & Rescue is taking a proactive role to keeping the city and all of its residents safe,” Lutz said.
Anaheim Assistant Fire Marshal Allen Hogue (at the wheelbarrow) volunteers to help clear a lot next to Anaheim Fire & Rescue Station 10 before installing a FireSafe and drought-resistant demonstration garden.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sean Sparks swings an ax to remove a tree stump as volunteers help clear the lot.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fred Chun volunteers to help clear the lot next to Anaheim Fire & Rescue Station 10.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
