The Firewise Community Festival, held on May 2 in recognition of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, brought together residents, partners, and Firewise communities from across Fresno County for a full day focused on wildfire preparedness, community connection, and local resilience efforts. Hosted in partnership with the Ponderosa Lions Club and sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Listos CA, the event highlighted the importance of proactive wildfire planning while showcasing local resources, partnerships, and ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk.
The event also featured an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding community leadership across the region in partnership with Fresno County’s District 5 Supervisor’s Office. The annual Stewardship Award was presented to Brenda Harrison of the Mountain Top Ranch Firewise Community in recognition of her exceptional leadership in land stewardship, wildfire risk reduction, and her dedication to advancing community resilience through fuels reduction, Firewise education, and collaborative conservation efforts. Bear Mountain Foothills, led by Scott McKendry, was recognized as Firewise Community of the Year for its outstanding commitment to the principles of the NFPA’s Firewise USA® program through exceptional community engagement, volunteerism, wildfire preparedness, and leadership in building a more wildfire-resilient community.
Attendees engaged throughout the day with local agencies and resource partners focused on wildfire mitigation, home hardening, defensible space, and emergency preparedness. The program also included presentations from local leaders and organizations, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration in reducing wildfire risk across Fresno County communities.
Additional activities, such as live music, local food booths and craft vendors, added to the day’s festivities and provided opportunities for attendees to connect with neighbors and community partners.
The Firewise Community Festival continues to serve as a space for residents and partners to share resources, strengthen relationships, and advance collective wildfire preparedness efforts across Fresno County. Planning is already underway to continue building on this momentum and bring the community together again next year.
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