9th annual Firehouse Fling in Tecopa on Saturday

This weekend an event in Tecopa, California will provide fun for guests, all while raising money for a good cause.

The Southern Inyo Fire Protection District is hosting the 9th annual Firehouse Fling at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort on Saturday. The event features a live fire dancing performance by the Illuminalia flame dancing troupe from Las Vegas.

SIFPD, a small volunteer fire and EMT service, will stand by with a fire truck ready, as the fire dancers twirl their flames.

But before the sun goes down and the flames heat up, there is an all-day flea market with live music, crafts, and hot food.

For the early risers, the Tecopa Senior Club is hosting a pancake breakfast across the street from the resort beginning at 8 a.m.

Based in Tecopa, SIFPD services a large area just across the California border from Pahrump, including Shoshone, Death Valley Junction and Charleston View.

The EMTs train and work with staff from Pahrump’s Desert View Hospital in their efforts to save lives.

SIFPD is funded by a local tax that doesn’t cover all the costs associated with keeping their crew and vehicles “ready to strike 24/7.” So to make up for the shortfall they hold the fundraiser every fall.

“It is very important to us,” said Robin Flinchum, event organizer. “That tax was enacted over 10 years ago and has no cost of living built into it. In addition, we actually lost some of our tax base.

“So our revenue has dwindled and our costs have risen, so this fundraiser is one of the most crucial things in keeping the district alive. We depend on it.”

Flinchum said between 200 and 300 people usually turn out for the event but of those who attend, she said, are very generous.

The volunteer group’s goal is to provide a fun event for the community and friends, and to close the funding gap to ensure they stay in operation.

The event also includes a silent auction with various items, including adventure packages, collectibles and more.

There is also a raffle to win a handmade quilt made by the Shadow Mountain Quilters and other prizes, in addition to live music throughout the day.

In the evening, following the fire dancing troupe, Pablo Tecopa and the Dusty Butter Band will keep the good times going.

Flinchum encourages all to make the trek to Tecopa to help support the fire service in the area and have a good time while doing so.

“I think it’s worth it for a number of reasons,” she said. “First off, we think our cause is a worthy cause. We’re out here in the middle of nowhere … if you travel from anywhere through the neighborhood, we’ve got your back.

“There are plenty of things to do here, you can go to China Ranch, you can shop for trinkets at the yard sale, there’s fantastic live music … and there’s also hiking trails. There’s gorgeous hiking trails here, down the Amargosa Canyon, then there’s the Shoshone Museum. It’s a beautiful day trip.”

All are encouraged to make the trek to Tecopa for the event, but for those who can’t make it, they can purchase raffle tickets for the “Study in Plaid” country log cabin quilt by calling the firehouse at 760-852-4130.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.