Reagan Library to Host Wildfire Safety Day—See the Helicopter Water Drop Up Close
Sylvie Belmond 
Wildfire Safety Day at the Reagan Library brings hands-on demos, expert tips and family activities to Simi Valley on June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – The South Lawn of the Reagan Presidential Library will take on a different kind of importance June 25, transforming into a front line for wildfire readiness. That morning, families from across the region will gather for Wildfire Safety Day—a free, community event where locals can meet the folks behind the sirens and learn how to stay ahead of fire danger.
Hosted by the Reagan Foundation and Institute, in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the Ventura County Regional Fire Safe Council, Ventura County Animal Services, the Ventura County Human Services Agency and the American Red Cross, the event offers the public a chance to engage directly with the people who plan for and respond to emergencies across the county. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the South Lawn will buzz with hands-on learning stations, safety gear and family-friendly activities. At 11, the Firehawk helicopter from the fire department will perform a water drop and land nearby, giving attendees a close-up look at how aerial firefighting works.
A live demonstration at 11:30 a.m. will show why clearing brush and trimming vegetation around your home isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Under Ventura County’s Fire Hazard Reduction Program, property owners in designated fire hazard zones must clear 100 feet of flammable vegetation from structures by June 1 each year or risk forced abatement and additional fees.
Not all brush clearing involves machinery. At the Reagan Library, goats are used annually to graze steep terrain, offering a low-risk method of removing dry fuel. For residents who use power tools or metal blades, vigilance is key. Fires have started from sparks kicked up by equipment or chains dragging behind trailers. During stretches of extreme heat and dryness, even small mistakes can lead to fast-moving disasters. Everyone has a role to play in keeping fire at bay.
The threat extends beyond people. Ventura County Animal Services will be available to help residents think through evacuation plans that include pets and livestock. Whether it’s dogs and cats or larger animals like horses, being ready means knowing how you’ll transport them, where you’ll take them and what supplies they’ll need in an emergency.
High heat can also make batteries dangerous. Lithium-ion batteries—like those in phones, tools and electric vehicles—can overheat, catch fire or explode if damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures, according to the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Car batteries can also vent flammable gas in high heat. If a battery is hissing, smoking or swelling, stay clear and call 911.
Wildfire season stretches across the year now, and strong winds can knock out power too. Southern California Edison may temporarily shut off electricity under its Public Safety Power Shutoff program when winds are high and humidity drops. These outages can last days, disrupting communication, refrigeration and medical devices. Families that have a plan in place—alternate meeting points, charged backup batteries and printed contact info—will be better prepared to stay connected when it matters most.
Steve Medina, disaster preparedness coordinator for the American Red Cross—quoted in the event’s announcement—will address what comes after the flames: cleanup, recovery and support for families and pets displaced by fire. “Recovery is part of preparedness,” Medina said, stressing that rebuilding both materially and emotionally is just as crucial as escape routes.
The Ventura County Fire Department encourages all residents to follow its Ready, Set, Go! wildfire action plan, which outlines how to prepare your home and family before an emergency, stay alert when conditions escalate and evacuate quickly and safely when it’s time to go.
This event is about more than drills—it’s a community making preparedness real. Connect with experts, ask your questions, test the tools and leave motivated to act. Clearing brush isn’t just landscaping—it’s protection. Having a family communication plan isn’t overkill—it’s peace of mind. When wildfires, wind-driven power shutoffs or battery hazards strike, a ready home and a ready mind save lives.
Wildfire Safety Day is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.reaganfoundation.org.
