2017 Fire Fest to be held at Carlton Reserve on Feb. 4

Event to feature activities for all age levels, providing education and fun, county staff says

Image contributed by Sarasota County

Sarasota County staff will host the 2017 Fire Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve, the county has announced.

“Attendees will have a chance to see firsthand how prescribed burns protect communities from wildfire and maintain Florida’s natural ecosystems,” a news release says. The event, which will take place at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, will be free and open to the public.

The Fire Fest “is a fun opportunity for the entire family to learn how fire is used carefully and effectively on Sarasota County’s natural lands, and how fire actually benefits the plants and animals that inhabit these areas,” the release adds.

Among the other activities at Fire Fest will be helicopter water drops, games for children, guided nature walks, free food and a “special guest speaker,” the release says.

For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000, or visit www.scgov.net.