Eco-friendly family event highlights benefit of prescribed fire
Interactive games, equipment displays, and demonstrations promise something for everyone at this year's Prescribed Fire Fest on Saturday, Jan. 25. See first-hand how professionals strategically apply fire to manage land and protect it from wildfires.
Kids can pick up their Prescribed Fire Fest passport, visit different demonstration stations and exhibits, get their passport stamped, and earn the title of Junior Wildland Fire Fighter for the day.
Here's a rundown on what's happening when:
Sandboxes aren't just for kids! Get a bird's eye view of how prescribed fire works during a demonstration in a tabletop sandbox filled with miniatures. Demonstrations at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon.
Kids can compete in a variety of games to test their wildland firefighting skills using a fire hose. Throughout the day, ending at 12:30 p.m.
What's the difference between a brush truck and a regular firetruck? Come, see, and learn about all the necessary equipment used for a prescribed fire. Touch hand tools, and try on the coat, helmet, and gloves that protect wildland firefighters. Throughout the day, ending at 12:30 p.m.
Visit exhibits of partner agencies, and learn about animals and conservation. See the Florida Forest Service helicopter come in for landing. Throughout the day.
Reserve a spot early for one of three guided hikes on Singing Bluffs Trail. Learn about prescribed fires while exploring one of the County's favorite hiking trails. This counts toward Hiking Spree, too. Be sure to reserve a spot early. Hikes at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. Reserve a spot early for one of three guided hikes on Singing Bluffs Trail. Learn about prescribed fires while exploring one of the County's favorite hiking trails. This counts toward Hiking Spree, too. Be sure to reserve a spot early. Hikes at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m.
At 1 p.m. gather 'round to watch a prescribed fire demonstration. See a highly trained team of wildland fire technicians take each step of a prescribed fire, including checking weather conditions and lighting a test fire. You'll learn how the crew functions together. This demonstration is dependent on weather conditions.
Prescribed Fire Fest happens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City. The festival is free, but a $2 park entry fee applies.