Sparking Action!

Free Community Wildfire Education Day

Saturday, May 2

Learn Together. Prepare with Confidence. Community care through science and connection.

Sparking action

Sparking Action! 2026

A Free Community Wildfire Education Day

Saturday, May 2

Free Admission

10 AM to 2 PM Activities, Demonstrations, and Community Info

2:30 to 4 PM screening of Embers of Awakening

4 to 6 PM Reception for Teen Artists

Sparking Action! invites all ages to explore the science of fire, wildfire prevention, and how Rogue Valley communities are working together for a healthier, more resilient future.

Presented by the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC) and partners, this free event features live fire science demonstrations in the ScienceWorks Dome and hands-on preparedness activities. Learn how slope, fuel density, moisture, and wind impact flame height and severity.

Meet Smokey Bear and tour a fire truck with Ashland Fire & Rescue. Learn about Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Lomakatsi Restoration Project educators.

Build your own DIY air cleaner for smoke season (supplies provided), start a go-kit, explore games and crafts, and connect with area agencies and nonprofits sharing practical wildfire preparedness tools.

Enjoy a performance by Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre.

Stay for a special 2:30 to 4 PM screening of Embers of Awakening: From Firestorms to Climate Healing with guest speakers. Please be advised that the first 15 minutes of this film include depictions of wildfires, including people evacuating and the aftermath of burned homes and neighborhoods. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of the 2017 Tubbs Fire in California, including descriptions of fear, smoke, high winds, and extreme fire conditions, accompanied by first responder vehicles with lights and sirens. We recognize that many members of our community are survivors of urban wildfires, including the 2020 Almeda Fire, and this content may be distressing. Viewer discretion is advised. The filmmakers suggest the film is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Experience “For Love of Nature,” a moving teen art showcase created by Rogue Valley youth who lived through the 2020 Almeda Fire. Produced by Anima Mundi Productions and Rogue Climate under the mentorship of artist and educator Adrian Chavez, this year-long project features powerful works calling for climate stewardship and collective care. Meet the teen artists and explore art that inspires conversation, compassion, and action.

Learn together. Prepare with confidence. Be part of the solution.

A day full of fun and learning adventures!

Curious about what’s happening throughout the day? Check out the schedule below! Keep in mind that it’s still tentative, so be sure to check back closer to the event for the finalized lineup of activities, demonstrations, and presentations.

Highlights from Sparking Action! 2025

• 250 people of all ages came to learn and get involved with wildfire preparedness activities. Some folks came from as far as Brookings, OR and Yreka, CA!
• 20 of our local partners came out to connect and share resources with the community.
• Live fire demonstrations by SOFRC and Lomakatsi Restoration Project educators in the ScienceWorks Dome showed how slope, fuel density, moisture, and wind impact flame height and severity.
• Patagonia film Fire Lines, sponsored by Southern Oregon Trail Alliance and Ashland DEVO, explored the connections between recreation trails, fire management, economic recovery, and conservation.
• Families made their own air filters to protect their homes during smoke season. Thanks to Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library for sponsoring the supplies!

Read about Sparking Action! 2025 in Ashland.news.