Carmel Valley, CA, May 26, 2021 — On the heels of the first-ever evacuation of Carmel Valley due to wildfire, the state is entering one of the driest seasons in recorded history, threatening to be the worst fire season to date.

With that in mind, the Robles Firewise Group is hosting a free defensible space “boot camp” on June 12, featuring presentations by Robles Firewise, Ember Defense, and Vulcan Vents; information from vendors, community businesses and organizations; and prize drawing during each of three sessions (or platoons) scheduled that day. The event is a fundraiser for three local non-profits: Cachagua Volunteer Fire Department, Monterey County Regional Fire District’s Benevolence Fund and Robles Firewise Group.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Carmel Valley Village Fire House, 26 Via Contenta. There will be three platoon times: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. Tickets are free with a suggested $15 donation to cover the costs of the event; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Due to COVID restrictions, attendees must pre-register at www.roblesfirewise.com. However, if tickets are still available attendees may register on-site as well. Free parking will be available on Via Contenta and at Tularcitos Elementary School.

The event will help to educate residents on how to harden and protect their homes to increase their chances of their homes surviving a wildfire. It’s important for our community to be proactive and work in conjunction with state and county agencies to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.

The event will highlight a new defensible zone — the Immediate Zone, otherwise known as the Ember-Resistant Zone or the Zero Zone — which is from 0-5 feet from a house or structure. Two companies that specialize in home hardening will present tips and strategies that homeowners can immediately utilize to harden their homes, and a burn trailer will demonstrate the vulnerability of common attic/soffit/foundation vents. Other agencies and organizations will be on site with educational information as well.

Presentations will be given by:
>Robles Firewise Group will explain the Firewise mission, how communities become certified as Firewise, and the benefits to homeowners of certification.
>Ember Defense will discuss the defensible fire zones and provide helpful and inexpensive tips to protect/harden homes and structures.
>Vulcan Vents will discuss air vent safety and will have a burn trailer on site to demo the vulnerability of most vents to ember infiltration, which can lead to catastrophic home loss.

Vendors, community business and organizations on hand include:
>Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD)
>Monterey County Office of Emergency Services (MCOES)
>Fire Safe Council of Monterey County (FSCMC)
>Cachagua Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD)
>Carmel Valley Garden Club
>Ember Defense
>Vulcan Vents
>Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
>Robles Firewise Group

Sponsors include:
>Stonepine Estate
>Valley Hills Nursery
>Doug & Lisa Steiny: Sotheby’s International
>Hawk Ridge
>The Camp at Carmel Valley
>M.J. Murphy Lumber and Hardware
>Del Monte Fine Art
>Aabha Indian Cuisine
>UPS Mid-Valley

Opportunity drawing grand prize: Ember Defense & Vulcan Vents will provide a complete retrofit of ALL air vents (attic, soffit and foundational) to the current WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) code of 1/16th mesh for up to 3000 square-foot house. Labor and materials included. Retail value of $5,000. (Cost of footage overages can be negotiated with the company).

Opportunity drawing platoon prize: One emergency go-bag will be given away for each of the 3 platoons.

There will also be an online auction of products and services donated by local businesses. Examples include:

>”The Ultimate Go-Bag” by VLES designs—Stocked with supplies that exceed FEMA/Red Cross standards. Good for 2 people for 72 hours. Retail value $350
>”Hollywood Celebrity Mixed Mystery Swag Bag” (geared toward a female celebrity). Approximate retail value of all items $700.
>“In-Home Disaster Preparedness Consultation”’ by Peace of Mind Preparedness: Retail value $225
>Valley Hills Nursery gift certificate: $250
>Big Sur Vineyards: Private tasting for 6 with owner. Retail value $150.

U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta will make an appearance.

For more information on the event, contact Marci Bracco at [email protected] or by calling (831) 747-7455; or Stacey Wood at [email protected] or by calling (650) 440-9704; or Damon Wood at [email protected] or by calling (650) 248-4785.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.roblesfirewise.com