American Canyon Fire Protection District April 2025
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Dear American Canyon Community,
March was a busy and exciting month for the American Canyon Fire Protection District! We celebrated the Ribbon-Cutting of Copter 11, a vital public-private partnership between REACH Air and American Canyon Fire. This collaboration enhances our ability to provide critical care when seconds count, ensuring the highest level of emergency medical services for our community.
We also participated in a three-day ‘Train the Trainer – Calm the Chaos’. This intensive training, funded through an Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG), provided advanced tactical firefighting education to Command Staff and firefighters across Napa County. The training ensures consistency in emergency response and enhances our ability to protect and serve at the highest level.
In addition, we want to highlight the release of the latest Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps from the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. Understanding fire risk is key to preparedness. To view the updated maps, visit: https://www.amcanfire.com/News-articles/Local-
Spring is here! This is a great time for spring cleaning, especially around your home’s defensible space. Clearing debris, trimming vegetation, and maintaining a fire-resistant landscape can significantly reduce wildfire risk. If you ’ re planning new landscaping, check out page 12 for tips on fire-resistant plants. We are also proud to share that three of our Explorers, accompanied by two Advisors, successfully completed the California Fire Explorer Academy in Las Vegas. This intensive, week-long academy challenged them both physically and mentally, and we commend Explorers Jordan Nolan, Sergio Garcia and Giani Espinoza for their dedication and hard work.
For more details, see pages 8 & 9.
Lastly, as we ‘ sprung forward’ with the time change, we remind you to check and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you need assistance, please contact our administrative offices at (707) 551-0650 during business hours. Our team is happy to schedule a crew to assist you with this important safety check.
Stay
safe, Fire Chief American Canyon Fire Protection District Geoff Belyea
2,440 Ladder Skills / Evolutions
Trauma Labor and Delivery High Angle Ropes and Rescue
Ribbon Cutting
On Wednesday, March 12 , AmCanFire and REACH Air Medical cut the ‘Ribbon’ on an innovative public-private partnership. Copter 11 is an Airbus H135 helicopter to be used primarily for emergency medical transport and aerial medical flight services. This partnership is effective immediately, enhancing emergency response and patient care for American Canyon and Napa County. Outfitted with ICU-level medical equipment, advanced avionics, and critical safety features, Copter 11 will bring state-of-the-art medical care to patients in critical need throughout the region.
“This partnership aligns with the American Canyon Fire Protection District’s mission to provide top-tier safety and emergency response for our community,” said Fire Chief Geoff Belyea. “By joining forces with REACH and their exceptional team of medical flight professionals, we are strengthening our commitment to the well-being and safety of our residents.”
REACH has proudly been stationed in Napa County since 2017, and the organization’s commitment to the community remains strong. “We are honored to expand our services in the American Canyon and Napa County area through this valuable partnership,” said Sean Rogoff, Regional Director of Operations for GMR. “Leveraging our combined expertise, we look forward to furthering the impact of our medical response capabilities and delivering critical care when every second counts.”
Under the joint agreement, REACH will manage all flight operations, including piloting by their highly skilled and experienced aviators, and medical response by flight nurses and paramedics. REACH’s aviation maintenance technicians will also maintain the aircraft to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability. ACFPD will oversee administrative support and will lead the integration of Copter 11 into current county-wide EMS operations, ensuring a seamless response network for emergency medical situations. Copter 11 is a significant enhancement to the emergency resources available to Napa County and a testament to the power of collaboration. This partnership combines ACFPD’s administrative and operational expertise with REACH’s specialized knowledge in air medical transport, marking a new chapter in emergency medical care for the region. For more information please visit: www.amcanfire.com
EXPLORER EXPLORER CORNER CORNER
AmCanFire Explorers Attend Prestigious Fire Academy
American Canyon Fire Protection District proudly sent three Explorers and two Advisors to the week-long, in-residence, California Fire Explorer Academy in Las Vegas, hosted by the North Las Vegas Fire Department.
Explorers Jordan Nolan, Sergio Garcia, and Giani Espinoza had the invaluable opportunity to train alongside 110 fellow Explorers from California and Nevada.
Throughout the academy, they engaged in rigorous training, including:
�� Military Orientation – Understanding the paramilitary structure of the fire service
�� Fire Behavior & Live Burns – Experiencing real fire scenarios
�� Vehicle Fires & Firefighting Skills – Hands-on suppression training
�� Physical Fitness, Teamwork & Camaraderie – Building the mental and physical strength needed for the fire service
The academy culminated in a prestigious graduation ceremony attended by family, friends, and newly formed peers, celebrating the dedication and achievements of these future firefighters.
We take great pride in shaping the next generation of the fire service and guiding the youth of American Canyon toward a career of service and excellence.
FIRE TRUCK FRIDAYS
Ever wondered about the different fire trucks you see around town? On Fridays, we’ll be rolling out educational posts on social media to showcase each type of fire apparatus and its unique role in keeping our community safe! From engines to trucks, water tenders to rescue rigs —each piece of equipment has a specific job. Follow along every Friday to learn more about the tools we use to protect and serve American Canyon!
March 1st
ACCERT Volunt Yountville Mardi Gras Parade.
March 2nd
ACCERT Volunt ading buses and staffing barrica p y n 5K.
March 7th
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill at Memorial Stadium in Napa. March 8th
First Responder training course. ACCERT learned how to provide rehab.
March 10th
ACCERT hosted a Graphical Information System (GIS) training session. This included training in online mapping, situational awareness and tracking teams in the field.
If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please contact info@americancanyoncert.org
Next General Membership Meeting
Monday, April 8 @ 7pm
225 James Rd, Station 211
To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
SUCCESS WITHSAFETY
Spring into Firewise Landscaping
As spring approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh your yard with new plants! We're teaming up with Mid City Nursery and Napa Firewise to promote the use of fire-resistant plants in our community. While no plant is completely fireproof, some species have a higher resistance to fire than others, making them a safer choice for your landscape.
Consider these fire-resistant plant options:
Groundcovers & Grasses: Creeping Sage, Blue Fescue, Yarrow
Shrubs: Manzanita, California Lilac, Toyon
Perennials & Flowers: Lavender, Salvia, California Poppy Trees: Coast Live Oak, Redbud, Western Red Cedar
Fire-resistant plants have characteristics like high moisture content, low resin or sap production, and slow-growing habits, helping to reduce fire risk around your home.
For more plant recommendations and tips on defensible space, visit the Napa County Defensible Space & Firewise Planting Resource Page: