J U L Y 2 0 2 4
A Message from the Chief
Dear American Canyon Community,
Summer is in full effect and with that comes several important safety messages I want to convey to you.
4th Of July
Tomorrow, we will celebrate the 4th of July. I hope to see you all at the City of American Canyon’s celebration. The parade starts at 3 PM at Community Park II (Donaldson Way at Benton Way). A planned official fireworks show will occur at dusk.
To report illegal fireworks, please do not call 9-1-1 unless a fire or medical emergency has occurred. You may call 707253-4451 to report occurrences.
Heat Awareness
July has brought us a high heat advisory with an unusually high heat wave. Please hydrate and stay in the shade if possible. Use sunblock for protection and be aware of your pets being left outside without the proper shade and water.
Wildfire Awareness
The heat has brought more wildfires. This is a crucial time to clear all dry brush or grass away from your home. It is also a great time to review your fire escape plan and create a ‘GoBag’. Preparation is the key to success.
Mutual Aid
American Canyon Fire Protection District is an active participant in the Statewide Mutual Aid System. This means that when another agency needs assistance we send a unit to assist, and should we need assistance, they send us help.
Within the last few weeks, AmCanFire has been requested to assist on multiple large-scale wildfires including the ‘Toll Fire’ which Engine 411 is still assisting with.
This is projected to be a high-fire season, which is why we are so passionate about fire safety.
Captain Martin’s Retirement
On Wednesday, June 26th, we had the honor to recognize the distinguished career of Captain Jose Martin. Captain Martin served the American Canyon Fire Protection District for over 20 years with major accomplishments and leadership roles with the organization. (See page 12 for more information). Congratulations Jose!
Thank you for your continued support and stay safe!
Geoff Belyea
Fire Chief
American Canyon Fire Protection District
June Training
Monthly Training Hours 938
YTD Training Hours 11,078
Highlights
Module Testing
EMS Skills Update
USAR Drill - Trenching
Joint Water Rescue, American
Canyon Police Department & Parks and Recreation
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Fire
EXTINGISHER
TRAINING
Recently, Engine 211 conducted Fire Extinguisher training at Westlake Royal Stone Solutions in the American Canyon Business Park. This prevention program empowers local businesses to mitigate hazardous conditions and provides potential life-saving skills.
EXPLORER
Ladder Evolutions
AmCanFire Explorers started June with the basics to create a solid foundation in ladders. First, we focused on the ladder elements such as identifying the components of the ladder. This is an important ‘step’. As firefighters, each team member needs to know everything about ladders as we rely on them for emergencies.
The Explorers then ‘threw’ the 14ft roof ladder in multiple fashions. (Throwing a ladder involves hoisting and balancing an extension ladder onto the side of a structure at a 65 to 75-degree angle.)
They practiced throwing it utilizing a “high shoulder carry” and a “low shoulder carry”. Using ladder commands (verbalizing what they are doing or their next steps) and progressing throughout the drill.
This drill is the foundation for the next step in learning the complex and comprehensive skill set of ladders in the Fire Service.
Firefighter Quick and Probationary Firefighter Billeci both assisted with the drill and provided substantial knowledge for the fire explorers.
SUCCESS WITH SAFETY
What is ACCERT?
ACCERT, American Canyon Community Response Team, is a program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.
ACCERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills such as: Fire Safety Light Search and Rescue Team Organization Communication
CERT teams exist to “fill the gaps” emergency services may have during a disaster response. We’re happy to be a resource, even when needs change.
If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please contact info@americancanyoncert.org
Next General Membership Meeting
Monday, July 8th @ 7pm 225 James Rd, Station 211
To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
JUNE UPDATE:
June 22nd: Developing ‘Firefighter Rehab’ program. This will allow the members of ACCERT to provide much-needed water when AmCanFire personnel are busy working on an emergency incident. This day also included members of ACCERT joining the North Bay Amateur Radio Association (NBARA) at Silver Oak Park for the annual Field Day Amateur Ham Radio Event, held across the US and Canada.
June 26th, ACCERT and other Napa Valley CERT teams, joined the Bay Area's Golden Eagle Exercise, an annual event where public and private sector partners collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to respond to a simulated earthquake on the Hayward fault.
June 29th, Napa Valley CERT teams joined Napa CART (Animal Search and Rescue) teams up at Lake Berryessa in setting up a command post, conducting Animal Rescue operations, and setting up care for animals in the field.
CaptainJose Martin CELEBRATION Retirement
On Wednesday, June 26th, AmCanFire personnel, past and current came together to honor the illustrious 20-year career of Captain Jose Martin.
Captain Martin’s retirement will leave several large gaps for us to fill as he held several key positions within our organization including Apparatus Chair, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) program development, Hazmat Specialist, Firefighter of the Year in 2008, and many other leadership responsibilities.
From your AmCanFire Family, Congratulations on a successful career and well deserved retirement!
