With wildfire season looming and insurance rates climbing, Mendocino residents are invited to a free community event aimed at cutting through confusion and offering practical solutions.

The Willits Wildfire and Insurance Forum & Fair takes place Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the new California Conservation Corps facility across from Howard Hospital.

The evening features Yana Valachovic, one of the nation’s leading wildfire scientists, who will explain how homes actually ignite and which prevention steps make the biggest difference. United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group, will walk attendees through California’s changing wildfire insurance landscape — including what to do if rates spike or policies are dropped.

After the presentations, the event opens into a community fair with booths from Cal Fire, the Red Cross, Little Lake Fire, Nuestra Alianza, FEMA CERT, the Mendocino Prescribed Burn Association and more. Organizers promise free pizza, family-friendly activities, and hundreds of dollars in door prizes.

The forum is hosted by six Willits-area Fire Safe Councils, the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council and WELL. Admission is free and open to all of Mendocino County.