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Written By Talia Abrea
When wildfires swept through Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades in January 2025, the destruction was heartbreaking. Homes were lost, lives were changed, and families across Southern California faced unimaginable fear. Among those deeply affected was Girl Scout Ambassador Talia Abrea, who saw firsthand how these fires left children feeling scared and unsure about their safety.
But instead of standing by, Talia took action.
For her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting – Talia launched a project to help kids feel empowered, not afraid. Her mission? To turn wildfire fear into fire safety education that was fun, friendly, and unforgettable.
With guidance from emergency response trainers Paul and Lisa Dutton and insights from our friend and Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna along with local firefighters, Talia created a colorful, interactive activity book titled: “Ready, Set, Go! Save Your Hippo!”
Designed for children in grades 2–5, the book stars “Hippa the Hippo,” a cuddly character who represents the comfort of a favorite stuffed animal. Hippa helps kids learn how to:
• Prepare their homes for wildfire season
• Pack grab-and-go evacuation bags with essentials and beloved toys
• Identify safe evacuation routes
• Build a family emergency plan that puts safety first
The message is clear and kind. While things can be replaced, lives cannot!
Talia has shared her book through presentations at the Altadena Library and with local Girl Scout troops, leading hands-on activities that teach kids how to build their own evacuation kits. Her work is helping children feel confident, prepared, and brave in the face of growing wildfire risks.
Kudos to Talia Abrea for turning fear into fuel for change—just in time for the height of our year-round fire season.
Want to share this with your community? Check out the attached PDF of “Ready, Set, Go! Save Your Hippo!” and help spread fire safety awareness to the young heroes in your life.
For books or more information contact Talia at [email protected]
Thank you, Talia, for stepping up as we step into the height of year round fire season!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com
Download Coloring Book:
