Chief Message

In the month of June we commenced our “weed abatement” inspection program. This is a very important program which helps to enhance fire safety in our community throughout the “dry” season. Dried weeds, grasses and brush need to be cut and maintained to a height of no more than four inches. Brush and trees need to be kept trimmed and clear from structures. Plants and ornamental shrubbery are exempt provided they do not provide a means of rapidly transmitting fire from native growth to a structure. Dead trees and shrubbery need to be removed (this includes palm tree fronds). Tree branches are supposed to be trimmed to not only have clearance from structures but should also have six feet of clearance from the ground. Twigs leaves and pine needles or other flammable vegetation should also be removed from roofs and rain gutters. All combustible rubbish, trash and debris should also be removed (this applies year round). We very much appreciate cooperation from all residents of the community! Our preference is to not have to cite and bring properties into compliance at owner expense, but we can and will when we have no other option. If you receive a “notice to abate” we welcome a phone call from you and will work with you to the extent that we are able to in order to make your property fire safe. For additional information you can also call us and/or you can read FD Ordinance 2015-01 for further information. 

Glen W. 
Fire Chief
Notable Incident
On Sunday, June 2, 2019, we were dispatched to a residence with reports of smoke coming from the area of the main garage door. Engine 11 arrived at scene to find a single-story residence with heavy black smoke coming from the two car garage door. A “first alarm” structure fire response was requested while the utilities were secured and access into the garage was made. A fire was discovered which was held to the contents of the garage. The fire was kept from extending into the living area of the residence and was suppressed quickly which limited structural damage. There was moderate smoke damage inside the residence. There were no injuries. This fire illustrates the importance of rapid response of fire suppression resources along with keeping doors between the garage and home closed.
Public Education
On Saturday, June 29th; Fire, Police, ACCERT and the City of American Canyon held an “Emergency Preparedness” open house event. Thank you to all the guests that came out to help: PG&E, Napa Sheriff’s Office, Napa Office of Emergency Services, Napa Community Animal Response Team, and Napa Animal Shelter. The goal of this event was to provide disaster preparedness information to the public and raise awareness about the “READY AC” initiative. 
Training
On June 12 th the American Canyon Firefighters participated in Multi-Agency Training with Napa County FD Engine 27.
Pictured is Probationary Firefighter Steele training with the Vallejo Fire Department. Steele completed a “Firefighter Safety & Survival” course hosted by the Vallejo FD in the month of June 2019.  
We recently enhanced firefighter safety by replacing high pressure firefighting nozzles with nozzles that flow similar “gallons per minute” (”GPM”) at lower pump/nozzle pressures. Pictured are crews performing flow testing of the nozzles prior to placing them in service. Flow testing is important in order to determine the most accurate pump pressures for the desired water flow or “GPM”. It is easier and safer to operate large fire attack hoses at lower pressures.
Station Tour
Chief Weeks provided a tour and overview of “how a fire protection district operates” to a group of college interns. The students, who were from colleges all across the country were interning with “FAIRA” (Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority). June 26, 2019
Ride on the Engine
On the last day of school, June 4th, two lucky winners from a silent auction fundraiser were picked up from school and given a ride on the Fire Engine!  
Public Events
FF Rojas officiating “tug-of-war” during the KTVU “Zip Trip” to American Canyon June 28, 2019.