MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Gibson Museum’s next fireside chat will host an entertaining discussion with the former Middletown fire chief, Gene Bates.

The chat will take place beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the museum, located at 21267 Calistoga Road, at the corner of Calistoga Road and Callayomi Street, across from Middletown Square Park.

Bates has followed the evolution of firefighting in south Lake County since he moved here from the East Bay in 1957. He’s played important roles in that history, primarily his service as the Middletown Fire District’s full-time fire chief, probably the first paid chief, from 1983 to 1987.

He was actively involved before and after. An all-volunteer firefighting group served the community until the late 1970s; the current South Lake County Fire Protection District was formed in 1987.

Friends and neighbors on Cobb Mountain have long been entertained by Bates’ recollections of the challenges of local fire services as they pursued their challenges, defined their needs for equipment and supplies and then devised the means of getting those.

He will undoubtedly include stories of the controversies surrounding construction of the fire station on Highway 175. When the plans were introduced to the public it was dubbed “the Taj Mahal.” It replaced the building that now houses B&G Tire.

Fireside Chats are free of charge, although donations are welcomed to help support the museum.

Refreshments are offered, and guests are invited to come early to see the museum’s latest exhibits and chat with friends.

Seating is limited. For reservations email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 707-809-8009.