Fire Evacuation Drill to be held May 20th, Immediately followed by 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off

April 24, 2023 Swansboro, California

By Roger Stenbock – Editor

Mosquito Station 75 Fire Chief Jack Rosevear has reached out to the Swansboro Sentinel to provide important information regarding two upcoming events hosted by our local fire department. The first event is the Community Evacuation Fire Preparedness Drill, which was previously announced during the last board meeting. However, the time that was shared during the meeting was incorrect. The correct time for the drill is 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

This year’s evacuation drill will take place at the Swansboro Airport on May 20th. The annual event helps our community maintain its Firewise USA Community designation from the National Fire Protection Association. It is a vital opportunity for Swansboro residents to familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures and safety protocols.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization that provides standards, training, and education for fire prevention and safety. The NFPA develops codes and standards for fire protection and life safety in the United States and around the world.

A Community Evacuation Fire Preparedness Drill is an important tool for ensuring the safety of individuals and communities in the event of a fire. These drills simulate a fire emergency, allowing residents and emergency responders to practice their response and evacuation procedures. By conducting these drills, communities can identify potential weaknesses in their emergency plans and improve their readiness for a real fire emergency.

The benefits of a Community Evacuation Fire Preparedness Drill include:

1. Increased safety: Practicing evacuation procedures can help residents and emergency responders to be better prepared for a real fire emergency.
2. Improved response times: By practicing evacuation procedures, emergency responders can identify potential delays or obstacles and make adjustments to improve their response times.
3. Enhanced communication: Conducting these drills can improve communication between residents and emergency responders, which is crucial during a fire emergency.
4. Compliance with NFPA standards: Conducting these drills is often a requirement for communities seeking to maintain their Firewise USA Community designation, as recognized by the NFPA.

Following the drill, will be the 2nd Annual MFPD/MVFA Chili Cook-off which will take place at noon at the Finnon Lake Recreation Area. The Chili Cook-off was a huge success last August and is anticipated to be just as enjoyable this year. We encourage everyone in the community to attend this event and support our local firefighters. The Cook-off is Sponsored by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association. All proceeds go the Mosquito Station 75. The deadline is May 6th for an RSVP. There is a $5.00 entrance fee. Children under 12 are admitted free. Beverages will be supplied. For more information go to mvfa95667@gmail.com.

In light of the corrected time for the Community Evacuation Fire Preparedness Drill, we hope that Swansboro residents will mark their calendars and make plans to attend both events. These events not only provide a fun way to spend the day with family and friends, but they also help promote community safety and preparedness in the face of emergencies.