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HOME HEATING SAFETY
hot coals exposed for re-ignition. •DO NOT store your metal ash container on your deck, in your garage or in any location that may allow heat to transfer from those hot
Residentialfiresaremoreprevalent during the winter months than they are in the spring and summer. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 108,000 winter residential building fires occur each year in the United States. Heating and cooking are, by far, the leading causes of these fires. We encourage you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility.
coals to nearby flammable items.
Graton Volunteer Firefighters dropping off donated toys.
Keep Fireplaces Clean
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester and remove any low hanging branches above the chimney, flues or vents.
• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
Have a Plan
• Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. Leaving the doors open ensures that the fire receives enough air to ensure complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.
• Have an escape plan and practice it with your family.
If you suspect a chimney fire, get
Thank you to everyone that came by to visit us on October 2 for “Night at the Firehouse”, our annual kickoff event for Fire Prevention Week.
• Close glass doors when the fire is out to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room.
FORESTVILLE FIRE
Toy Drive
The Forestville Firefighter’s Association will be collecting toys for the Holidays starting now through Christmas. Donations will go to the Forestville Giving Tree Program, Methodist Church as well as the Toys for Tots program. Your new and unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the Forestville Fire Station. Recalled or used toys cannot be accepted.
Please join us in giving blood on January 14th from 3pm to 7pm at the fire station. It’s a perfect time of the year to be giving to those in need. Help us spread the word! This event is also a friendly competition with multiple fire departments throughout the county to see who can get the most donations.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.
Toy Drive Deadline: 12/20
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise, you may cause creosote build-up that could lead to a chimney fire.
After 23 years of service to the District, Captain Todd Rollings will retire in December. We all wish him the very best as he will now start a new chapter in his life.
Safely Burn Fuels
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire. Use only seasoned hardwood; soft, moist wood accelerates creosote build-up. Also, never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
Bucket Brigade Blood Drive
Protect Your Home
• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
GRATON FIRE
There are acres of pine, fir, and spruce trees to choose from this year. The tree farm is open Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm and all sales support the fire department. Trees are being sold by height, regardless of the type of tree. Pull saws and measuring sticks are available as well as help to cut, carry, trim, and net your tree. Gazette readers will get 10% off! There are fire badges for the kids and cider and candy canes for all! Info: 322-2091.
Come by the “Bucket Brigade” and donate blood alongside your volunteer firefighters! Everyone will receive a 10% discount on your choice of from our Christmas Tree Farm. 9am-1pm
Each year, Graton volunteer firefighters work with Oak Grove School and local charities to determine needy families in our district. This holiday season, we are collecting new, unwrapped toys for over 30 children up to age 12.
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• Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
Graton Christmas Tree Farm:
We will also accept cash donations, wrapping paper, tape... whatever you can spare. Items can be dropped off at the Graton Fire Station, Graton Fire Christmas Tree Farm, Graton Post Office, Andy’s Market,Bridgeway Gas, Graton Community Club or Balletto Vineyards. Info: 823-8400 ext. 120.
• Take a moment to teach your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
BODEGA BAY FIRE
everyone out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1! If you can do so safely, put out any fire in the stove or fireplace and close the damper.
Blood Drive: Sat 12/12,
This month we said goodbye to Directors’ Cathy Beck and John Doolittle. Cathy Beck served on the Board since December 17, 2002. John Doolittle served on the Board since February 10, 2009. We will miss them both. Taking their place on the Board will be Shay Picton and David Love, they will be sworn in at our regular December meeting (Dec. 8).
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
Safely Dispose of Ashes
• Be extra cautious when discarding ashes! Hot coals, hidden in a pile of ashes and thus well insulated, can stay hot for up to 4 days!
Winter Burn Suspension Lifted
• Never empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, or other similar container. The only suitable means for ash storage is a metal container with a tight fitting lid as it helps keep air from blowing through and disturbing ashes which can leave
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), Sonoma-Lake- Napa Unit lifted the burn suspension within the state responsibility area (SRA) in Sonoma, Lake and Napa Counties. Please check with your local fire authority for burn permit regulations.
On Monday November 9, 2015, the
ALL SoCo Fire Departments are WELCOME to JOIN this Column. EM: vesta@sonic.net