Page 45 - Sonoma County Gazette - October 2017

West County Fire Agency Report
It’s that time of year again: Fire Prevention Week October 8 thru 14. Check out nfpa.org for more info. You can also look up local information at sonomachiefs.org/ under the sections tab to the Fire Prevention O cers link.
In a re, seconds count. Seconds can mean the di erence between residents of our community escaping safely from a re or having their lives end in tragedy.
That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out! is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:
• Draw a map of your home by using our grid in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF) with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home re drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using di erent ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the re department to nd.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and re.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
Bodega Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce that we have received funding from Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase a brand new water tender. Our current water tender is 26 years old and is due for replacement but the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department being
a 501(c)(3) nonpro t with no tax base is unable to purchase such a piece of equipment. We are fortunate to receive funding to replace this vital piece of equipment for our department. Total funding from the federal government
is $260,000 along with $13,000 from Bodega Volunteer Fire Department for a total purchase price of $273,000. The new piece of equipment will be in service by July 2018. The water tender will be capable of transporting 2000 gallons of water. This is vital, as the town of Bodega only has two re hydrants. The water tender also serves neighboring agencies in mutual aid agreements for res to Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, Bloomfield, Two Rock, and Gold Ridge. This is the third piece of equipment in 11 years our department has received from AFG. In 2006 we received funding for a type 1 structural re ghting engine. In 2009 we received funding for a type 3 wildland apparatus. This Grant was written by our Volunteer Fire ghter Josh Perucchi.
Graton Fire Department
We will be giving away candy at the Fire Station at 3750 Highway 116 North. Enjoy the free spaghetti dinner cooked by your favorite volunteer firefighters. Fire engines will be on display as well. After leaving the firehouse for more candy, make sure to escort your children, bring a flashlight, wear reflective clothing, use light sticks, and inspect their candy before they eat it.
Backyard Burning – not yet...
The many local wildland fires should remind everyone not to burn... but
the cooler weather and rain may have given some thoughts about backyard burning. CAL FIRE and the County Fire Marshal will not lift the ban on burning until there is at least two inches of rain AND the threat to the wildland decreases. Before burning, always call the firehouse, 823-8400 x105, to see if the ban has been lifted. We will also post it on the highway sign in front of our fire station. Remember, you always need a permit to burn; the Air Quality District permit applications and instructions are available outside the front door of the firehouse.
Please join us at our next upcoming fundraiser Saturday, October 7 from 5 to 8 PM. The dinner fundraiser includes polenta and beef stew served with salad and a roll for $15 adults and $10 children. Tickets sold at the door. Event held at 17184 Bodega Highway,in the town of Bodega. More information at www.bodegafire.org
Bodega Bay Fire said goodbye to FF/Paramedic Jacob Reding. We wish him well in Texas! Congratulations to FF/EMT Raymond Hill who for the 5th consecutive year was able to write another successful grant for BBFPD. A Federal Emergency Management Agency – Assistance to Firefighters Grant award. With this funding, we will purchase a state-of-technology, cardiac monitor/de brillator for Paramedic Ambulance Medic 811. This equipment permits our Paramedics to quickly assess patients and treat heart-related medical emergencies with Advanced Life Support interventions in the pre- hospital setting. As if this was not enough, FF/EMT Hill was able to secure funding from a 50/50 Cal Fire grant program as well. We will purchase wildland re ghting gear. Great Job Ray! Please join us for our annual Night at the Firehouse–Fun-Food-Fire Prevention. October 6, starting at 5:30 and ending at 8pm. Catch up with at bbfpd.org or like us on Facebook.
Halloween Spaghetti Dinner – Graton Fire Station
ALL Sonoma County Fire Departments are WELCOME to JOIN this Column.
Do you have a FUNDRAISER you want readers to know about? An EVENT? A MESSAGE? A CERT Class? Fire Departments that communicate with our readers find it easier to get votes for funding! Email: vesta@sonic.net
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