The Delta Bay Foundation, assisted by the staff and management of the Brannan Island State Recreation Area, invites the community to a Fire Safety Fair on Saturday, May 30th, from 10am to 2pm, at BISRA, at 17645 CA-160, just outside of Rio Vista proper.
The Foundation welcomes everyone to meet and mingle with the agencies participating in this event, who will bring their expertise and experience to discussions and demonstrations about one of the most intense threats to the California Delta and the entire state. Coming just after the close of Fire Safety Week, this Fair will bring together First Responders, safety specialists, and area youth who train on the importance of fire safety as part of their Scouting experience.
Brannan Island State Recreation Area sits within the boundaries of the Rio Vista Fire Department which will be a feature presenter at the Fire Safety Fair. They plan to bring one of their fire trucks as well as their propane powered fire extinguisher prop for visitors to try. RVFD Fire Chief Adam Pfenning emphasizes the importance of training when fire threatens your home. “Fire extinguishers are an important part of Fire Safety. Knowing how to properly and safely use them can make the difference in keeping a small fire from growing,” he said. “The Rio Vista Fire Dept is looking forward to attending the Fire Safety Fair and training attendees on extinguisher use.” Chief Pfenning has also informed nearby River Delta Fire District of the event and invited their participation. River Delta Fire District serves a large region just north of the Brannan Island State Park. The two departments frequently assist each other by responding to calls along with other area departments. Joint effort in each other’s service area comes naturally to them, as Chief Cutino notes. “Fires don’t know boundaries, and when another district needs help, we all respond.”
Training on fire extinguishers is a first-line of defense in keeping house fires from becoming larger threats to neighborhoods. “Participants at the Fire Safety Fair will learn the PASS technique for extinguisher use. Pull, Aim Squeeze and Sweep to limit fire spread and extinguish small fires,” Chief Pfenning explained. Of course, Chief Pfenning’s crew will have a big rig on hand for the young and the young-at-heart to explore.
The Red Cross will also participate in the May 30th Fire Safety Fair. Patricia Davis, Community Disaster Program Manager of the Sacramento County branch of the American Red Cross, emphasized how important fire safety is to our community. “Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds across the country to a home fire,” she noted. “No one can afford to lose a home.” She and her colleagues will share information and demonstrations about fire safety, with the goal of helping folks understand how to protect their families and property from injury and loss. All of us understand how the smallest of fires can turn into raging infernos and sweep across acre after acre. While calling 911 will get help fast, knowing how to respond to a fire in your house or yard can save also lives.
No family-friendly, outdoor event would be complete without young Scouts. Happily, members of Venture Crew 404 will be at the State Park on the weekend of the Fire Safety Event. Venture Crew 404 was formally chartered with the Boy Scouts of America, Greater California Council, in January of 2026 and chartered by Abbey Flooring. While the Crew was started by youth from Boy Scout Troop 1119, all youth ages 14-21 are welcome. “Venturing” is an inclusive, youth-led program of Scouting America for young adults and teenagers aged 14 through 21 (or 13 and graduated 8th grade). It focuses on building high-adventure experiences, real-world projects, and leadership skills, allowing members to design and plan their own activities alongside adult mentors. The crew that will be at BISRA that weekend is currently working on their Ranger Award, with a focus on conservation. “The scouts present will set up a presentation board about Venture Crew activities and its focus,” said Katy Baker, the Crew Advisor. “We’re excited about our campout and the chance to be part of the Fire Safety Fair!”
As Northern California enters fire season, the Delta Bay Foundation encourages the community to bring their families to the beautiful setting of the Brannan Island State Recreation Area to meet fire safety experts and first responders. The Foundation will set up activities with a fire-safety focus for kids of all ages. A food truck will be parked at the event site for visitors to purchase refreshments. The park entrance fee of $10.00 per carload allows visitors to attend this unticketed event and also to enjoy the park grounds for the day. Visitors with one of many available annual state park passes can enjoy the park and the event without paying the day-use fee. The Fire Safety Fair is the third of the three Foundation events funded by a TOT Grant from Sacramento County. The Foundation thanks the County, including its supportive Supervisor Pat Hume; its donors; the staff and management of Park Delta Bay RV & Tiny House Resort; the staff, management, and volunteers at Brannan Island State Recreation Area; and its own volunteers. The Delta Bay Foundation is a California not-for-profit organization which has as its mission the conservation, community, culture, and commerce of the Sacramento-San Joaquin California Delta. For more information about this event or the Foundation, contact the event coordinator, Corinne Corley, at 816-520-9152 or by email at ccorleyjd@gmail.com.