West End Townships to host Emergency Preparedness Fair Saturday

Amid an active wildfire season and recent fires across northern Minnesota, three townships on Cook County’s West End are partnering with local stakeholders to host an Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 15.

The event will include presentations and interactive opportunities related to home fire safety, preparing pets for emergencies, preventive cybersecurity measures, Firewise best practices for homeowners, and more.

Schedule of Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Hosted in coordination with the West End fire departments, the event will feature a drone demonstration, silent auction, and raffle. The Emergency Preparedness Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Birch Grove Community Center.

Organizers say the event is timely given the recent emergency response to the Little Knife Fire in Cook County and, more broadly, wildfire response across northern Minnesota this summer.

“We’ve all seen all the wildfires going on this past summer again, so it helps to be prepared and know what’s happening,” said Tina McKeever, a supervisor with the Schroeder Township Board.

Craig Horak, with the Tofte Township Board and the Tofte Fire Department, said the event will help residents and the public learn how to protect themselves and be prepared in an emergency.

“Everybody should go check that out,” said Craig Horak, with the Tofte Township Board and the Tofte Fire Department. “That’s going to be a really good time.”

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Tina McKeever, a supervisor with the Schroeder Township Board, and Craig Horak, with the Tofte Township Board and the Tofte Fire Department, about the upcoming event and the township’s monthly meetings this week. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins August 14, 2026