S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5
Dear American Canyon Community,
The Pickett Fire in northern Napa County has burned nearly 7,000 acres and prompted evacuations across several zones. More than 1,200 personnel are on the line, with air and ground resources working around the clock. When law enforcement issues evacuations, they’re done by zone. Please learn your home and work zones now—see page 12 for the “Know Your Zone” guide and evacuation map.
This is also a good time to confirm you ’ re getting official alerts. ALERT Napa County provides critical updates, and you can also opt in to community notifications by texting your ZIP code to 888777. Check your Go-Bag today: include vital documents, necessary medications, chargers, cash, clothes, and supplies for pets. Learn more at: americancanyon.gov/Live/EmergencyPreparedness.
As our climate warms, our community remains at risk for wildfire. Help us reduce hazards by keeping properties clear of dead or dying vegetation and debris. To report a weed-abatement concern, visit: amcanfire.com/Community-Risk/WeedAbatement.
We also invite you to join us for the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, September 11th at 11:00 AM at the Public Safety Building. This solemn gathering is a time to honor the lives lost and the courage shown on that tragic day. “In remembering, we honor their sacrifice and renew our commitment to unity, resilience, and service.”
Finally, please join me in congratulating Firefighters Cummings and Loughran on completing their probation and receiving their official shields. This marks the culmination of 18 months of rigorous training, dedication, and service to the American Canyon community. We are proud to officially welcome them into the ranks of our #AmCanFire family.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and look out for your neighbors— especially those who may need extra assistance during an evacuation.
Geoff Belyea
Fire Chief
American Canyon Fire Protection District
MONTHLY TRAINING HOURS
446
YEAR TO DATE TRAINING HOURS
4,076
Probationary Firefighter Testing
Wildland Operations
USAR: Water Rescue
Drivers Training: 4 X 4 Rugged Terrain
National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 5th, AmCan Fire joined AmCan Police for National Night Out 2025! We loved visiting your block parties, chatting with neighbors, listening to fantastic music, and enjoying some tasty treats.
Thanks for making our community feel like family
American Canyon Fire (AmCan Fire) is proud to stand alongside the California Cadet Academy, a distinguished live‑intraining program that molds tomorrow’s leaders through immersive, residential instruction. Though not formally affiliated with the California Cadet Corps, the Academy mirrors similar principles—discipline, leadership, and public service that the Cadet Corps embodies.
What Makes the Academy a “Live-In” Program?
Cadets enrolled in the California Cadet Academy reside on-site, undergoing a rigorous, fully immersive experience. While detailed admissions criteria specific to this academy are limited in public sources, similar live-in academies in California typically require: A strong commitment to personal growth and leadership development. Ability to participate in daily regimented routines, combining academics, physical training, and ethical instruction. Often, physical and emotional readiness, as well as minimum educational standing or age requirements analogous to military‑style youth programs. This environment fosters camaraderie, focus, and an uninterrupted learning trajectory essential for building leadership and public safety skills.
How AmCan Fire Contributes
American Canyon Fire enhances the Academy’s curriculum through specialized instruction in two critical domains:
Emergency Vehicle Extrication
AmCan Fire personnel lead hands-on training in vehicle rescue techniques. This includes safe operation of hydraulic rescue tools (“Jaws of Life”), vehicle stabilization, accessing victims in confined environments, and conducting extrications with precision and care.
Ethics
& Communication in Public Safety
Beyond technical skills, our instructors guide cadets through the ethical considerations of public service. Topics include responsibility, empathy, clear communication under pressure, and the importance of honesty and integrity in protecting the community.
Why This Partnership Matters
Real-World Experience: Cadets gain practical, scenariobased training directly from first responders.
Holistic Development: Technical skill-building is balanced with ethical leadership and communication proficiency.
Strengthened Preparedness: By blending live-in learning with AmCan Fire’s expertise, cadets emerge more capable and confident—both in emergency response and public service.
To see this collaboration in action, check out the video highlights of the 2025 California Cadet Academy and AmCan Fire training: CLICK HERE
ACCERT, American Canyon Community Response Team, is a program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.
8/21 - AC
d CERT
Del Valle were activated by Napa County OES to provide assistance to Calistoga CERT as localized evacuations began due to the Pickett Fire. CERT teams were tasked with staffing road blocks, which freed up law enforcement for other critical tasks. Teams were in place throughout the evening and released once sheriff deputies took over.
8/22 – Napa County CERT teams, including ACCERT, were requested by the Napa Community Animal Response Team (Napa CART) to help construct their large animal shelter which included building multiple horse pens. This is a critical first step when preparing to evacuate large animals from a wildfire zone.
CONTINUED.
8/22 to 8/24 – CERT and Napa CART teams remained on sta throughout the weekend. Typical activities CERT may be tasked during a wildfire include communications assistance, evacu assistance and/or traffic control. CERT and Napa CART often pr assistance and resources to one another during large disaster e such as wildfires.
Are you someone who wants to be a part of the teams that respon disasters like wildfires or earthquakes? Free disaster preparedness tr is available to residents of Napa County!
The CERT Basic Skills class is held from 8am-5pm over two Satu and 8am-12pm on one Sunday for a total of 20 hours of tra Whether you join a CERT team or not, the class provides information on Disaster Preparedness that anyone can use.
The next CERT Basic Training course will be held in Calistog September 6th, 13th and 14th. Classes are filling up, so don’t he to sign up!
If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please con info@americancanyoncert.org
Next General Membership Meeting
Monday, September 8th @ 7pm
225 James Rd, Station 211
To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
Vehicle Extrication Training
This month, the American Canyon Fire Explorers focused their training on one of the most challenging situations first responders encounter: vehicle extrication.
The drill began with an overview of modern vehicle construction, where Explorers learned how today’s cars are built with advanced metals, reinforcements, and safety systems. Understanding how a vehicle is designed helps rescuers identify strong points, weak points, and the safest locations to cut when time is critical.
Next, the training covered common hazards at traffic collisions. Explorers discussed dangers such as leaking fuel, live electrical systems, undeployed airbags, and unstable vehicle positions. Recognizing and mitigating these risks is essential to keep both rescuers and patients safe during an emergency response.
Finally, Explorers gained hands-on experience with hydraulic rescue tools— commonly known as the “Jaws of Life.”Under firefighter supervision, they practiced stabilizing a crumpled vehicle, cutting doors, and carefully spreading metal to create an opening large enough to remove a patient. The emphasis was on controlled, deliberate tool use to ensure a safe and efficient rescue.
Through this monthly drill, the Explorers built valuable skills that mirror real-world fire service operations. With each training, they continue to grow in confidence, teamwork, and readiness for a future in public safety.
