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Contact: Aaron Ochoa, 360-816-6233
Vancouver, WA – Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to announce an upcoming interpretive presentation focusing on the nature of wildland fires in our region. This presentation is an educational event that aims to shed light on the impact of past wildland fires that have shaped the community and the techniques used to understand the impact of wildland fire through an archaeological forensic lens. Explore the timeline of significant wildland fires that have occurred in Vancouver dating from recent history through the fur trade, and for thousands of years. It is critical to understand the power of fire and how these fire events influenced the local landscape and community.The presentation will feature speakers from Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s Interpretive Team, Supervisory Park Ranger Aaron Ochoa and Park Ranger Paula Hale and will host special guest speaker Vicky Wessling. Each speaker will bring a unique perspective and expertise to enrich the audience's understanding of the historical context and the broader implications of wildland fires.
This program will take place in the Park’s visitor center amongst the gallery of multiple paintings from artist and writer Ann Ruttan who was inspired by her experience from the tragic 2020 Santiam fire. Ruttan's paintings vividly depict her personal experience woven together with an interplay of flames, smoke and sorrow. The canvases come alive with a dynamic palette that reflects the intensity of the fire, the hues that hint at forces at play.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Park Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said, “I’m excited for this presentation which will take place surrounded by the powerful paintings by artist Ann Ruttan”. Tracy added, “I applaud the creative work by Supervisory Park Ranger Aaron Ochoa and Park Ranger Paula Hale in developing a program which will be used in the to connect and educate visitors about the power of fire”.
To cultivate a new generation of fire stewards and environmental advocates, we offer a Wildland Fire Junior Ranger program and activities. The Wildland Fire Junior Ranger Program offers children and adolescents a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of wildland fire management through interactive and educational activities, aiming to engage young minds in the importance of wildfire awareness, prevention, and conservation. Along with the interpretive program and activities, you may pick up home fire prevention pamphlets are available regarding what you can do to prevent fires in your home.
Event Details:
Title: Wildland Fire, Friend or Foe
Date: February 24, 2024
Time: 1pmLocation: Visitor Center
Cost: Free
POC: Aaron Ochoa, 360-839-3214, aaron_ochoa@nps.gov
RSVP: You can reserve your seat on the Friends of Fort Vancouver webpage: https://www.friendsfortvancouver.org/
Last updated: February 15, 2024