Prototyping Resilience in Tomales, CA

A Marin County fireman leads community members through a simulted wildfire evacuation. Photo: Ciel Wood

Earlier this summer, we partnered with two community organizations in the town of Tomales, California, Tomales Emergency Response Network (TERN) and the Tomales Town Hall to create “Tomales Reslience”. With a custom-made game board of the coastal California town, community members imagined themselves in a simulated wildfire scenario, with local firemen at the head of each table ready to answer any questions.

Community members discuss their approahes to the Tomales Resilience board game. Photo: Ciel Wood

Six tables of around 6-7 players each played the game and investigated how a wildfire scenario could impact them in their day-to-day lives. Afterword, we hosted a roundtable conversation on their takeaways from the game, as well as brainstorming actionable steps to prepare their community now. Players left with a deeper understanding of what wildfire evacuations might look like in their community, and with plans to continue meeting to implement their insights into action.

Thank you to the wonderful folks in Tomales for your collaboration and enthusiastic participation!