Sonoma County Prepares: 2026 Wildfire & Earthquake Expo Returns This April
Santa Rosa, CA (March 17, 2026)— Community leaders and emergency preparedness partners are coming together for the 2026 Sonoma County Wildfire & Earthquake Expo, a two-day event focused on strengthening disaster readiness, public safety, and community resilience across Sonoma County.
Taking place April 25–26 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, the Expo begins on Saturday, April 25 with a simulated mass casualty incident, providing hands-on training for first responders. The weekend continues on Sunday, April 26 with a free, family-friendly community Expo open to the public.
Hosted by Fire Safe Sonoma and Northern Sonoma County CERT, the event brings together fire agencies, emergency responders, nonprofits, utilities, and community organizations to provide residents with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters.
Sunday’s Expo will feature a wide range of interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and educational seminars from state, regional, and local safety organizations. A highlight of the event is the earthquake “Shake Trailer” from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, where participants can safely experience simulated earthquake conditions and learn essential safety actions such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” as part of the Expo’s dedicated earthquake preparedness area.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Sonoma County Animal Shelter, CERT and CART, who will share important information on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts. Special attention will also be given to animal safety, with resources on preparing pets and livestock for evacuation.
The Expo will also feature dynamic emergency response demonstrations, including appearances by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Henry 1, showcasing search and rescue techniques. Local fire agencies from across the county will be on-site with personnel and equipment, offering hands-on guidance and safety information.
Families can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including a Kids Safety Zone with a firefighter-in-training agility course, a mock evacuation shelter, fire extinguisher training,
CPR/AED basics, chainsaw demonstrations, and a series of informative seminars covering topics such as emergency alerts, fire weather, earthquake safety, home hardening, and defensible space. Additional highlights include a free pancake breakfast (while supplies last) and complimentary go-bags for the first 2,000 families.
Organizers encourage community members and partners to help spread the word, ensuring that as many Sonoma County residents as possible can access these critical preparedness resources.
Volunteers are also needed to support event activities, assist exhibitors, and welcome attendees throughout the weekend. Those interested in volunteering or learning more are encouraged to get involved.
The Expo is made possible through the generous support of local organizations, businesses, and municipalities committed to strengthening disaster preparedness across Sonoma County. Sponsors include Big John’s Market, Bolt Down the Bay Area, Cal OES, City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Halter Project, Northern California Public Media, Northern Sonoma County CERT, Redwood Credit Union, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Veale Outdoor Advertising, Watch Duty, Wine Country Radio, and Wine Country to the Rescue.
For a list of participating exhibitors, to sign up as a volunteer or to support the event as a sponsor visit the event website fireandearthquakeexpo.org.
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About Fire Safe Sonoma Fire Safe Sonoma is a nonprofit organization composed of members with over a century of expertise in wildland fire prevention and safety. The organization is dedicated to wildfire education, prevention, and community preparedness, working collaboratively with residents, agencies, and partners to reduce wildfire risk and enhance resilience.
About Northern Sonoma County CERT
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) provides training in how to prepare for and respond to disasters, so that residents can help each other and assist professional responders during disasters. The CERT program is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certification program that offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations.
For sponsorship, participation, photos or media inquiries: Judy Groverman Walker, Event Planner
707-953-3909 | judy@fireandearthquakeexpo.org