Sudden Valley committee sets May 12 Firewise presentation, asks members to help promote it

The Sudden Valley Safety Committee set a Firewise presentation for May 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the committee said at its Feb. 20 meeting. The event is planned to include a presentation and a video about ember risk by Robert Walters of the Whatcom Conservation District and remarks from Fire Chief Mitch Knowles.

Committee members said the event will focus on ember risk and how residents can reduce fire threat to homes. The meeting noted the committee hopes to record the presentation for the association website so residents who cannot attend can watch later.

Judy White told the committee that Walters will “plan to show his wonderful, very important video on embers” and that Knowles is available to attend. White said the committee will invite at least one Sudden Valley resident who has had a property assessment by Walters to speak briefly about their experience.

Members discussed basic budget items the board will need to approve: rental of a large screen for the video, possible refreshments and any setup fees. Committee members said Walters provides his assessments and presentations free of charge; the committee did not have a firm figure for screen rental or refreshment costs and asked staff to check last year’s expenses and provide an estimate to the board.

The group emphasized outreach: the committee asked members to promote the event in neighborhood channels and on social media, and to ask staff to include a “save the date” and later details in the association e‑blast and the community newsletter.

The committee did not set a formal budget in the meeting; members said they will request a line item from the board once staff supplies cost estimates.