With the fifth anniversary of the Missionary Ridge Fire rapidly approaching, a diverse group of community members have plan

ned an event to commemorate the local disaster. “Missionary Ridge, Five Years After the Fire: Remember, Learn, Prepare,” is scheduled for this weekend, June 8-10. All events are free and open to the public.

June 8 - Remember

5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

The first installment is geared toward remembering the tragic events and honoring those who assisted during the community’s time of need. The evening includes a screening of the award-winning film, “After the Fire.” A beer brewed especially for the event will be introduced by the Durango Bootleggers Society. A multimedia show on the fires, courtesy of Joann Wade, will also be shown.

June 9 – Learn

9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Vallecito Community Center

Day two will focus on learning about fire, how our forests and wetlands are doing today, and what natural

things might happen later because of fire’s influence. The day will include guided tours of the burn area, family and children’s educational activities, and slideshows and workshops on trail building, water quality, fire ecology and more.

June 10 – Prepare

9:30-11 a.m. at the Bar D Ranch

noon-5 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds

Complete details on the event are available at: www.missionaryridgefire.org.