Page 47 - Sonoma County Gazette - January 2020

FIRE NEWS cont’d from page 46
Forestville Fire
Burn Permit Suspension Lifted
We are pleased to announce that Firefighter of the year 2019 was awarded to Volunteer Firefighter Gary Green. Gary has been a volunteer with Forestville for over 14 years. He is one of the most solid and reliable volunteers this department has ever seen. In 2019 he responded to over 50% of the Districts calls and attended over 70% of the weekly training drills. He works part time shifts for us throughout the year and was on the crew of one of our engines that worked the recent Kincade fire. Gary is very active with the Forestville Fire Association and could not be more deserving of this award. Congratulations Gary!
The District would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to these dedicated members of our department, who just achieved the following milestone service awards:
• Volunteer Engineer Josh Nultemeier: 30 years
• Volunteer Driver/Operator Matt Bardella: 25 year
• Volunteer Driver/Operator Travis Wood: 20 years
• Captain Michael Franceschi: 15 years
• Engineer Charles Franceschi: 15 years
• Volunteer Driver/Operator Garrett Northern: 15 years
Russian River Fire
The Russian River Fire District would like to remind you to drive safely during the rainy season and do not drive through flooded roadways regardless of how well you may “know the road”. Moving water can deteriorate the road surface creating pot holes or washing the roadway completely which makes the standing water deeper than what it may appear. This can cause severe vehicle damage or lead to being stranded. In areas where standing water may be present, reduce your vehicle speed to reduce the chance of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is where the tires lose contact with the road surface, causing the vehicle to “spin out”, endangering not only yourself, but other drivers as well.
Russian River Fire continues to explore consolidation with the Sonoma County Fire District (SCFD). We are already seeing the benefits
of consolidation through a contract service for administrative support
from SCFD. Our goal is to continue to deliver quality fire and EMS service to our community, and will be able to enhance our service level through consolidation. russianriverfire.org/pursuing-consolidation for more details.
Those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can resume burning on permissible burn days.
Residents are asked to use caution while conducting burns, follow all guidelines, and to maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property. Residents should contact their local Fire District prior to any burning.
“Many area residents are faced with removing vegetation that was damaged during the recent fires,” said Sonoma County Fire Marshal James Williams. “Please consult a professional before cutting trees, and make sure burning is done safely.”
Verify it is a Permissive Burn Day Prior to Burning:
• Bay Area Air Quality Management District, (415) 771-6000
• Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, (707) 433-5911
• Visit sonomacounty.ca.gov/Air-Quality/ to see air district boundaries.
Pile Burning Requirements:
1. Burn only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings.
2. The burning of trash, painted wood, or other debris is not allowed.
3. Do NOT burn on windy days.
4. Piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height. Add to
the pile as it burns down.
5. Clear a 10-foot line down to bare soil around your piles.
6. Have a shovel and a water source nearby.
7. An adult is required to be in attendance of the fire at all times.
To learn more about SCFD, visit their website at www.sonomacountyfd.org. If you have specific questions, please contact the administrative office at 707- 869-9089 or 707-892-2440.
As a reminder, the Russian River Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their next meeting on at 6pm on the second Wednesday of the month at 14100 Armstrong Wood Road. The Public is encouraged to come and participate. Visit us online at: russianriverfire.org
Bodega Bay Fire
BBFPD is proud to announce that Tyler Reynolds was hired to fill our most recent Firefighter/Paramedic vacancy. Tyle was sworn in on December 10th.
• Camden Plummer-Firefighter of the Year.
• Dewey Kribs-Community Member of the Year
The annual Comedy for a Cause was held on Saturday December 14th. What a great time for everyone that attended. Special Thanks to Vicki Barbolak and her friends Phil Griffiths and Betsy Salkind who also made us all laugh. Thank you to Bodega Harbour and the Bodega Bay Area Chamber of Commerce who sponsored the event. Special thanks to Ed and Pris who made it all possible.
We wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season. See you all next year!
At our annual holiday party the following individuals received the follow- ing awards:
• Linda Stout-Lifetime Achievement Award
in reducing fire hazards. When conditions allow, state, federal and local fire and land management agencies will be conducting prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health on private and public lands.
Safe residential burning of vegetation is a crucial tool
For more information visit: Sonoma County Fire at: sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/
or CAL FIRE at: fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org
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