Firefighter News — July 2020

City of Sebastopol FIRE DEPARTMENT

The following methods of abatement will be enforced during 2020:

Bill Braga -Fire Chief

Sonoma County

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.

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 humidity help slow a fire should one start. This fire season is set to be the driest season on record since the 1850’s!

Effective June 15th, CalFire and the Sonoma County Fire Prevention Division has issued a ban on all open burning throughout the county. The only exception to this is campfires in approved campgrounds or on private property, and barbeques that are conducted in a safe manner that prevents its spread to the wild land. The ban will remain in effect until CalFire declares the end of fire season.

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.

SONOMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT

What is the Sonoma County Fire District? Led by Fire Chief Mark Heine, the SCFD is one of the newest fire districts within the county that covers over 300 sq. mi., serves over 79,000 residents, employs over 125 career and volunteer firefighters through 9 stations in thecommunities of Windsor, Larkfield, Bellevue, Rincon Valley, Mountain, Bennett Valley, and now Guerneville. Our firefighters and administrative staff work diligently to provide the best service to our communities with pride, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

You may have noticed a recent increase in fire engines and ambulances driving through your neighborhoods. This is being done to train and orient personnel from throughout the district to the unique neighborhoods and challenging roads that exist throughout the district. Our firefighters want to be as prepared as possible to find your house in an emergency.

Our administrative offices and fire stations continue to operate under modified operations due to COVID-19. This means that the offices and fire stations remain closed to the public in order to protect you and our staff from any potential exposures. The modified operations may change in the coming weeks, but we continue to be available for response every day. If you have any questions regarding these changes, or with any administrative matter, please call our administrative office at 707-838-1170.

Visit us online at www.sonomacountyfd.org and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sonomacountyfd

GRATON FIRE DEPARTMENT

New Graton Firefighters

Congratulations to our newest firefighters!

• Firefighter Sam Ballenger

• Cadet/Firefighter Evan Jacobs

They dedicated over 100 hours to complete our academy. Huge thanks to Assistant Chief Robert Sabrowsky, Firefighter Sapphire Alvarez, and all our firefighters who volunteered their time to help with training. Watch for them as they respond to emergencies this summer!

New Graton Water Tender

Last month, our new water tender ran its first call fighting a wildland fire in Forestville. After two years of research and design and another year of production, our new water tender finally arrived from Rosenbauer. It holds 2,000 gallons of water and pumps up to 1,000 gallons per minute. This is a tactical tender as it can not only supply water to other engines, but also pump-n-roll up to 20mph using front and side sprayers to extinguish fires. The cab holds up to three firefighters and lots of compartment space for tools and equipment. We are retiring a 1989 GMC tender that has served West County for 30+ years. Thanks to Assistant Chief Robert Sabrowsky, Engineer Lee Walker, and Engineer Jason Gray for their time and effort designing this great engine!