VENTURA – Aera Energy employees shared how the company responded to the Thomas Fire during a March 7 meeting of the Westside Community Council – a group that works to build better and safer neighborhoods in western Ventura.
Ron Henry, a manager at the Ventura field, presented information about how Aera positioned itself to deal with the massive fire that impacted the company’s operations for nearly a week. More than a dozen Aera employees and contractors were on hand for the meeting.
“We wanted to summarize the work done during the event and the efforts post-fire to provide for the safety of our neighbors who live and work near our operations,” said Michele Newell, Aera’s public affairs representative in Ventura. “Our employees have done a lot to support Ventura’s recovery.”
Henry shared that Aera:
- Had employees available 24 hours a day during the fire to help;
- Provided assistance to fire crews who had to enter the property to fight the fire;
- Had five water trucks and two vacuum trucks to help douse hot spots;
- Provided food and water for the firefighters;
- Aera and its employees have been active in the community recovery efforts;
Later in the meeting, a representative from the Ventura Police Foundation spoke and praised of Aera for its backing of the Westpark Community Center and its long-time support of the Ventura Police Activities League.
The Westside Community Council meets at 6:30 p.m., the first Wednesday of each month at the Janet Addison Community Room, Bell Arts Factory, 432 North Ventura Ave. For more information about the group visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VenturaWestside/