MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – On Friday, Nov. 6, the community of Middletown will come together to “stand strong” and thank firefighters and other first responders for their bravery during the terrible Valley fire that hit the area Sept. 12.

A highlight of the event will be a barbecue at 3:30 p.m. hosted by the Middletown Boosters Club preceding the Middletown High School homecoming football game on Friday.

The fire destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in Middletown, dispersing residents and students to other areas to find temporary housing. The disaster also postponed the homecoming game that was scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18.

This is the first time many of the residents have had a chance to personally thank the valiant men and women who put their lives on the line to stop the raging inferno.

California Casualty is providing game tickets, a commemorative t-shirt and complimentary food and soda to first responders.

Come see how Middletown is recovering after fire; the public and the media are invited to help celebrate this “community homecoming.”

Middletown High School is located at 20932 Big Canyon Road.