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Fire Fighter News - July 2018

Bodega Bay Fire:

Honoring Jeanette Furlong: The men and women of the Bodega Bay Firefighters Association are pleased to announce the award of their 2018 Margaret (Peggy) Hill Memorial Scholarship to Jeanette Furlong. Jeanette is a graduating Tomales High School senior, raised on her father’s cattle ranch and grandfather’s sheep ranch, where she learned what she describes as her three guiding life principles: values; service to others; and agriculture. She earned a 4.25 GPA in her coursework while participating in 4-H, Future Farmer’s of America, school clubs, and Associated Student Body activities. Jeanette will be the first person in her family to attend college. She has been accepted to Oklahoma State University. Our Association is pleased to award this $2500 scholarship to support Jeanette’s goal of majoring in Agricultural Education with the goal of becoming a High School Agriculture Teacher.

Awarding Scholarship Abrielle Elizabeth Spaletta: Abrielle is a graduating Tomales High School Senior with a 4.27 GPA, who balanced her studies with participation and officer positions in the Future Farmer’s of America, Interact Club, and Student Government. She volunteers her time teaching Bible Study. Her 14-year passion is contemporary dance and ballet. She has participated in a number of productions, including academy’s in San Jose and Connecticut, and was honored with the Emily Stubbs Artistic Award for her dedication. Abrielle will attend the University of California at Davis. Our Association is pleased to award this $1000. scholarship to support her goal of majoring in Computer Science with the career goal of entering the high tech industry.

Forestville Fire:

Volunteering in the Community

What are we talking about? Keeping a perimeter of mowed and/or green grass around our homes to prevent wildland fires from reaching them. 100 feet is recommended. Mow early in the day and often. We also recommend keeping flammable things away from our homes – wood piles, dead trees, bushes, etc. Go to readyforwildfire.org to learn more.

Forestville Firefighters and their families spent well over 60 hours setting up for and working during the Youth Park Bar-B-Que.

Board Meetings

The next Board of Directors meeting will be July 10, 2018 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Forestville Fire Station located at 6554 Mirabel Road.

Fireworks

Just a reminder that ALL fireworks are illegal in Forestville. We want to thank everyone for understanding and the results have been no major incidents in recent years.

Graton Fire: Defensive Driving - Overcorrecting

Many of our traffic crashes involve a car overcorrected after drifting off the right side of the road. The instinct is to immediately cut the wheel hard to the left in order to get back on to the road. Unfortunately, that causes the car to cross the roadway uncontrollably and crash into oncoming traffic or the other side of the road. This is much more dangerous than just staying on the right shoulder.

If you ever find your tires have drifted off the shoulder, DO NOT crank the steering wheel hard left at speed. Instead, keep the tires pointing straight and apply the brakes until the car comes to a complete stop. Then, turn the steering wheel to the left, check for no vehicles, and slowly apply the gas pedal. Once the front tires are back on the road, the rear tires will follow. If the berm is too steep, it may require a tow truck to safely remove the vehicle – which is much better than injuring yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and totaling your car.

Defensible Space Time

What are we talking about? Keeping a perimeter of mowed and/or green grass around our homes to prevent wildland fires from reaching them. 100 feet is recommended. Mow early in the day and often. We also recommend keeping flammable things away from our homes – wood piles, dead trees, bushes, etc. Go to readyforwildfire.org to learn more.

Russian River Fire:

As the temperatures begin to rise, spending a day on the river or at the coast becomes a great way to escape the heat. In either setting, the need to wear a life vest or other flotation device is strongly encouraged for all ages. Keep your family safe!

As a reminder, fireworks are illegal within the Russian River Fire District.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be on July 11th at 6pm at the fire station. We hope you’ll consider attending.

Visit us on line at russianriverfire.org

Fire Dept. Fundraisers

Jun 30 ~ Penngrove Rancho Adobe Firefighters’ Association Pancake Breakfast- $5-$10, 7-11a, Penngrove Rancho Adobe Fire House, 11000 Main St, Penngrove, 707-795-6011,rancho-adobe-fire.org

Monte Rio Fire Protection District BBQ Fundraiser - Barbecued ribs or barbecued chicken, with salad, chili beans and a roll. 12-5p, Monte Rio Fire House, 9870 Main St, Monte Rio, 707-865-2067,monteriofire.org

Jul 10 ~ Two Rock Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast - 7-12p, Two Rock Social Hall, 7618 Valley Ford Rd., Two Rock-Petaluma, 707-789-0302,tworockfire.com

Jul 21 ~ Annual Cazadero Fireman’s BBQ and Dance - BBQ, Dance, Music by the Ashley Barron Band. Dinner, 5-8p, Music, 8-12a, 5980 Cazedero Hwy., 707-632-5390

Jul 21 ~ Wine Country to the Rescue - Benefit for Northern California - Firefighters - For advanced firefighter training. $50, 5-10p, Trentadue Winery, 19170 Geyserville Ave,winecountrytotherescue.com

Jul 22 ~ Petaluma - Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department Chicken BBQ- Proceeds support the Petaluma Wilmar Volunteer Firefighters. 11-4p, Holy Ghost Hall, 4649 Bodega Ave., Petaluma, 707-795-1995,wilmarfire.com

Jul 27 ~ Monte Rio Fire District BBQ and Monte Rio Variety Show - Enjoy an evening of music, comedy, and wonderful entertainment. $15-$30, 4p, Monte Rio Amphitheater, 9925 Main St,monteriofire.org

Fire season in Sonoma County has begun!

Please remember to maintain your defensible space around your homes. Defensible space is the area around your home that is properly maintained to slow the advancement of a wildfire. Please visit your local fire station or www.firesafesonoma.org for more information.

With the beginning of fire season, CalFire has suspended burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area within Sonoma County. The suspension only applies to residential landscape debris, and does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. The burn suspension took affect June 18th and will continue through the end of fire season.

Now that the temperatures are rising and the grasses are starting to dry out, it is becoming easier for wildland type fires to start. Remember to mow high weeds and grasses early and often. The lower temperatures and higher humidities help slow a fire should one start.

Remember to keep hydrated throughout the day on hot days. Dehydration can lead to heat stress or heat stroke and can be contributed to many medical emergencies during extreme heat. Avoid strenuous activities during the afternoons and drink plenty of fluids. While sodas and other beverages are tasty, water is generally the best at helping to stay hydrated.

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