Annual festivities support fire district

Tecopa Hot Springs Resort will be a hub of activity as the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District holds its annual fundraiser Oct. 26.

SIFPD is a small volunteer fire and EMT service located in Tecopa, Calif. The unit serves a large area including Tecopa, Shoshone, Death Valley Junction and Charleston View.

Although the volunteers are across the state line, the members train with Desert View Hospital here. Last year, the SIFPD had only one EMT, Billy Eichenbaum, who was awarded for his 24/7 service to the area when there was no one else.

This year, the fire department boasts five EMTs, five firefighters and two firefighter cadets.

Like Pahrump, the tax base in Inyo County doesn’t provide enough funding to keep the unit operating all year. The fundraiser closes the gap so the service can stay in operation.

The community comes out in force to create a family event of food, activities, a swap meet/bazaar, auctions, entertainment and a firefighters’ fashion show.

The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., features an afternoon demonstration of firefighter gear, in a fashion show of sorts.

Vendor booths will offer an array of crafts along with Indian tacos, hot dogs and barbecue chicken.

There will be a silent auction of handmade items and other prizes, some of which include a zip-line adventure package for Bootleg Canyon worth $400 and provided by Flightlinez. There is also an overnight stay at Furnace Creek, a basket from Pahrump Valley Winery other regional travel packages and more.

The handmade Night Sky Quilt will also be awarded through a raffle. Tickets are already on sale by calling 760-852-4130 or visiting the Facebook page. Tickets will also be available the day of the event.

Live music will be on the stage next to Pastel’s Bistro throughout the day and when evening falls, Pablo Tecopa and the Dusty Butter Band will take over. There is also a special performance from fire dancers Pyro Sagas and the fire department will be ready with a water truck if needed. Pyro Sagas is an offshoot of Flameology, which performed at last year’s event and has been seen at the Pahrump Fall Festival for the past two years.