A pediatric resident at Valley Children's hands a toy to a child at the Big Fresno Fair.

Pediatric Residents from Valley Children’s Partner with CAL FIRE for Big Fresno Fair Outreach

Published October 10, 2025

FRESNO, Calif. — Pediatric residents from Valley Children’s Healthcare joined forces with CAL FIRE this week to promote fire safety awareness at the Big Fresno Fair.

The residents engaged children in interactive demonstrations, including the classic “stop, drop and roll” technique used in case of a fire. They also led educational games to teach kids about everyday items — such as certain foods and household objects — that can cause serious burns.

“Our biggest goal is to keep kids out of the hospital,” said Dr. Sara Horan, a pediatric resident from the class of 2026. “Teaching prevention like this is the best way we can keep our kids healthy, happy and growing well.”

Fire Prevention Week, observed annually from October 5–11, focuses on educating the public about fire safety. This year’s outreach at the Big Fresno Fair emphasized the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, encouraging families to avoid charging devices under pillows or blankets, where heat buildup can lead to fires.

“Our goal is to educate anybody and everybody, and with partnerships like this, we can do that,” said Stacey Nolan, a fire prevention specialist with CAL FIRE.

For the pediatric residents, the fair provided an opportunity to connect with children and educate them before they ever need medical care.

“I want our community to know that we’re here with them, and where better to meet them than where they’re having fun and playing?” said Dr. Natalie Pardol, a resident from the class of 2027.

“We’re part of the community too — so this is important to us,” added Horan.

Valley Children’s Healthcare also sponsors several family-friendly amenities at the fair, including the Mommy Zone, a private, air-conditioned space for parents to feed and change their babies, and the Found Children’s Gingerbread House, a safe haven for children who become separated from their families.

For children unable to attend the fair due to medical treatment, performers visited Valley Children’s Hospital earlier this week to bring joy and entertainment directly to them.

The Big Fresno Fair wraps up its 2025 season on Sunday, October 12.

To learn more about the pediatric residents of Valley Children’s, click here.