 | | | Future firefighters try out the driver's seat. Photo courtesy MOFD | | | | | | To recognize National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District will hold its biannual Open House May 14 at Station 45 in Orinda Village.
MOFD firefighters, staff and management, plus representatives of outside agencies like Pacific Gas and Electric and the East Bay Municipal Utility District - and yes, Smokey the Bear, too - will be on hand to explain what they can do to help you prevent wildfires.
"With all of the rain we've had this season, it's never too early to work on your weed abatement," said MOFD fire marshal Kathy Leonard, and she will tell you everything you need to know to protect your property from wildfires - and to avoid receiving a nasty letter from the district in late June because of out-of-control weeds.
Firefighters, decked out in their wildland gear, will pull out the Type 3 engine, a shorter, squattier vehicle used to fight wildfires and seldom seen traversing the streets of Moraga and Orinda. They will explain the differences between the Type 3 and the regular engine, and demonstrate the special equipment the Type 3 carries.
But the event will not be all work.
"It's a great time for everyone," Leonard said. "The firefighters love meeting the kids." And there will be plenty for the kids to do, including seemingly every small child's dream: to sit in a fire engine.
Firefighter David Mazaika will bring his super-customized grill to station 45 and cook links and dogs and burgers, with all proceeds for the barbeque going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Even the Contra Costa County Animal Services Department will set up, showcasing cats and dogs available for adoption. Agency representative Steve Burdo promises a reduced adoption fee for all attendees.
"Let's break the Orinda open house record of 500 this year!" said district clerk Grace Santos, who organizes this event as well as the Moraga Open House and Pancake Breakfast during National Fire Prevention week in the fall.
The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at MOFD Station 45, located at 33 Orinda Way in Orinda Village.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA