AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
News-Ladder
NOVEMBER 2023
A Message from the Chief Dear AmCan Community, Welcome to the November edition of the American Canyon Fire Chief News-ladder! As we transition into the Holiday season, we have several exciting updates and a recap on our busiest season with you. ** Open House ** On Saturday, October 7th, we welcomed the community to witness the inter-workings of the American Canyon Fire Protection District to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. This years theme was ‘Prevent Kitchen Fires: Cooking with Care’. The firefighters were able to demonstrate how to properly use a fire extinguisher, how to perform ‘Hands Only CPR’, and a vehicle extrication demonstration. We would also like to thank our partners who attended to demonstrate their contributions to the community: Napa Dispatch, American Canyon CERT, Napa County Fire Wise and American Canyon Parks and Recreation Department. **Halloween** On Tuesday, October 31st, our staff popped fresh popcorn and served almost 500 bags to Trick or Treaters of the AmCan community. We saw ghosts, goblins and even a few firefighters! We can’t wait to see everyone next year! **Setting Your Clocks Back and Fire Safety** As we turn back the clocks this Sunday, November 5th at 2am, and embrace the shorter days of autumn, it's the perfect opportunity to revisit your home's fire safety measures. Don't forget to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them to ensure they are in proper working order. Change the batteries if needed and replace any outdated alarms. Should you need assistance, do not hesitate to call us. 707-5510650.
**Hiring for Firefighter EMT Positions** We are excited to announce that the American Canyon Fire Protection District is actively seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join our team as Firefighter / EMTs. If you or someone you know is interested in this rewarding and vital career, please visit governmentjobs.com
** SAFETY ** With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us will be lighting candles for decoration or relaxation. Please exercise caution when using candles. Keep them away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and ensure they are extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed. Another common safety issue during November especially is deep frying turkeys. This has become a popular cooking method. However, it can also be risky if not done properly. If you plan to deep-fry your turkey, make sure you do it outdoors, away from structures, and follow all safety guidelines. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never overfill the fryer with oil. See our tips on how to safely deep fry a turkey on page 11. Now is the time to check your chimney for blockages from branches or weeds, including birds nests. Also make sure you chimney has a proper cap. (Don’t worry, Santa will still be able to make it down!) And lastly, make sure when your fire place is in operation make sure that you have a proper screen or door when your fire place is in operation. Have a wonderful November and Happy Thanksgiving!
Geoff Belyea, Fire Chief
Operations Division
Incident Type
2022
2023
Change
Fires
67
74
10%
Medical Aids
897
1,068
17%
Hazardous Conditions
30
38
22%
Good Intent Calls
44
93
53%
False Alarms
77
88
14%
Canceled Enroute
150
171
14%
Total Calls YTD
1,363
1,774
24%
October Training Monthly Training Hours
1,193
YTD Training Hours
10,528
Highlights Joint Water Rescue with AmCan Recreation Department Module 1 Testing Extrication Equipment Training EMS Skills Update USAR Training - Confined Space
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
AMERICAN CANYON ARE YOU READY?
TEXT 94503 TO 888777 TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS AND UPDATES
READYNAPACOUNTY.ORG
SAFE
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING
APPROXIMATLEY 500 VISITORS TO STATION 11
October Training Events Oct 6th – ACCERT joined other CERT teams throughout the county to test a new system to provide quick feedback to emergency managers during a major earthquake. Oct 7th – Participated in the annual Fire District Open House. Oct 21st – ACCERT and the ACFPD hosted the annual Napa County CERT Training Exercise in American Canyon, where any CERT-trained individuals were invited to attend. Napa City CERT, Berryessa CERT, AMR, CAL FIRE, and ACFPD fire crews participated in the exercise. We truly appreciate all the agencies that contributed their time, resources, and expertise to help us become a more effective team.
Next General Membership Meeting Monday, November 13th @ 7pm 225 James Rd, Station 211 To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
www.americancanyoncert.org
americancanyoncert
EXPLORER CORNER
The first drill in October consisted of performing an in service engine check. The explorers followed firefighter Heim all around the engine as he showed them things like checking the pump, doing a break check, checking your code three lights, and equipment familiarization. It was also Alejandro’s birthday that day!
The second drill consisted two stations. One was SCBAs and the other was ropes/knots. Probationary FF Bellici went through the components of an SCBA and how to properly put it on in a timely manner. The explorers got to see what it’s like to put on an SCBA while trying to do it for time. At the second station, Firefighter Quick was and Probationary Firefighter Bayersdorfer showed them how to properly tie ropes and knots.
Explorer Arcilla is currently enrolled at Solano Community College is the Fire Technology Program. Career Goals: To become a Firefighter / EMT in American Canyon. His family member, Firefighter / Paramedic Kent Barnes, retired from the Fire District in 2021. Favorite Drill: Vehicle extrication and search and rescue. It is fun and exciting to get my hands on the equipment and the feel of a real environment.
Jack Arcilla, 18
Fire Explorer Arcilla said 'My dad encouraged me to join the AmCanFire Explorer program. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I really glad I did. The hands on experience has proven to me that I am pursuing the right career path for me.’
Interesed in becoming an Explorer?: amcanfire.com
SUCCESS
WITH SAFETY
November- Deep Frying Turkey
911 DONALDSON WAY, E AMERICAN CANYON, CA 94503 AMCANFIRE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/AMCANFIRE INSTAGRAM.COM/AMCANFIRE (707) 551-0650 IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1