A quarter of a century ago, women winemakers were almost as hard to find as women firefighters. It's notable, then, that the women of Napa County led the country, perhaps the world, in finally recognizing women in both of these traditionally male-dominated fields.

Back when the Dry Creek-Lokoya all-women's fire brigade was formed, newspapers from the Bay Area to Knoxville, Nova Scotia, Germany and beyond heralded the occasion. "The nine housewives who form northern California's first female fire brigade are doing a far better job then the men they replaced, says their boss," reported the Halifax (Canada) Mail Star in a 1973 story.

"It's the difference between night and day,' said Norman Silver, state forest ranger in charge of volunteer fire training for Napa Country … When a call comes, they deposit their children at the neighbors', don fire gear and head for the trucks … They're beautiful'," the article continued.

"The hands that rock the cradle can also put out fires," the Knoxville (Tennessee) Journal wrote about the turn of events in the hills above the Napa Valley. "Die Frauen sind bel der Fauerbekampfung wirklich Feuer und Flamme!" was the response from the German press.

Explanation for the women's faster response time was simple: the women were home near the fire outbreak while the men were off at work and often many miles away. By the time they returned home the fire was usually under control. "The men weren't very dependable" Ranger Silver said, almost three decades ago. "They have other responsibilities. The gals have added a lot of stability to this department."

To take part in the festivities that help support this former female bastion of firefighting, mark Saturday, July 21, from 4:30 until 7:00 PM on your calendars This is when the 19th Annual Home Winemakers Classic 2001 will be held on the grounds of the St. Supery Winery in Rutherford. Enjoy food, a whole lawn-full of award-winning wines, one of the year's best silent auctions and live entertainment at this deservedly popular event and all the proceeds ($17,000 last year) go to the Dry Creek-Lokoya Volunteer Fire Department. For tickets call (707) 255-6372 or 944-1562 ext. 2.