Sarasota County's Fire Fest returns on Saturday, Feb. 3 to educate and inform the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem. Throughout the event at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, staff from Sarasota County's Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Emergency Services departments will demonstrate why the county schedules prescribed burns, the benefits of fire to native habitats and wildlife and how the county manages wildfire. Sarasota County continues its commitment of environmental stewardship by sharing the value of prescribed burns in protecting public lands and surrounding areas through Fire Fest. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice, and will also feature local exhibitors, games for children and light refreshments. For more information or to learn about prescribed burns, call 311 or visit scgov.net.

Sarasota County's Fire Fest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice. Schedule of events: 10 a.m.: Event opens, 11:30 a.m.: Live burn demonstration (conditions permitting), 1 p.m.: Live burn demonstration (conditions permitting), 2 p.m. Event ends.