American Canyon Fire Protection District, June 2025
J U N E 2 0 2 5
Dear American Canyon Community,
Welcome to Summer in American Canyon!
The days are longer, the sun is stronger, and the smell of BBQ is beginning to fill the air. Here at the American Canyon Fire Protection District, summer marks one of our busiest and most important—seasons of the year.
With dry weather comes increased fire danger, which is why June 1 marks the beginning of our weed abatement enforcement period. Removing dry grass, brush, and other dead vegetation isn’t just about appearances it’s about safety. These materials act as fuel during wildfire season, and we rely on you, our community, to help reduce that risk. If you ’ re unsure about what needs to be cleared or want to report a concern, we ’ re here to help. Give us a call at 707-551-5650, email lprovencher@amcanfire.com, or visit our website at amcanfire.com/Community-Risk/Weed-Abatement.
Stronger Together: Water Safety Partnership
As temperatures rise, many of us head to the water to cool off but with that comes real danger if precautions aren’t taken. This year, we ’ re proud to join forces with our friends at American Canyon Parks and Recreation and the American Canyon Police Department to promote water safety across our community. We’ve created a series of short, helpful videos you can watch right now on our Facebook page. Whether you ' re heading to the pool, the river, or planning a beach day, take a few minutes to refresh your water safety knowledge. It could save a life.
Your Fire District in the Community Summer in American Canyon isn’t just about preparing for fire season it’s also about celebration and connection. From graduation parties to backyard cookouts, we know this is a time of joy. And we ’ re right there with you.
That’s why we ’ re looking forward to seeing you at this year ’ s “Meet Me in the Street” events! Stop by the AmCanFire booth to try hands-only CPR, grab information about fire prevention, and chat with our team. These events are a great way for us to connect with neighbors, answer questions, and offer up a few high-fives to future firefighters in the making.
As summer begins, our work becomes even more focused on prevention and preparation. Whether it’s keeping dry brush under control or teaching kids to stay safe around water, your fire district is here to serve. Thank you for staying engaged and helping us keep American Canyon safe, strong, and ready.
Geoff Belyea, Fire Chief
YEAR TO DATE TRAINING HOURS 523
3,630
Probationary Firefighter Training
EMS Skills: Intubation
USAR: Exterior Shoring
HazMat: Explosive Devices
EXPLORER EXPLORER CORNER CORNER
Wildland Firefighting Training
On May 25, our monthly drill focused on wildland firefighting, giving our Fire Explorers hands-on experience with one of the most essential fire suppression techniques: cutting hand line. This skill involves removing grass, brush, and other vegetation—known as "fire fuel"—to expose bare mineral soil. When done correctly, a hand line can stop a wildfire in its tracks by creating a barrier it cannot cross.
After practicing this vital tactic, the Explorers also learned how to properly clean and sharpen their hand tools, reinforcing the importance of readiness and equipment care in the field.
2025 Napa County Survivors Reunion
On May 20th, Napa County EMS held their annual ‘Survivors Reunion’. This event recognizes cardiac arrest and trauma survivors and those medical care professionals who helped keep them alive. This event is the chance to tell the emotional tale of survival.
“It’s a unique opportunity for us to see the end result of what we do as first responders,” American Canyon firefighter John Cummings said. “We get to see the follow through back to hopefully what is a normal life after something bad.”
That’s what happened with Mark Lagrand, who got into a car crash in October that left him with a deep cut on the back of his head. Cummings was one of the first responders who flipped Lagrand on his side, stabilized his neck and controlled the bleeding. Lagrand spent a month in the hospital and underwent neck surgery. But he’s already back to doing what he loves: rebuilding cars.
AmCanFire is proud to recognize the Engine Crew who assisted in saving Mr. Lagrand. Captain/Paramedic Donevin Steele, Firefighter Kyle Murchison and Probationary Firefighter John Cummings.
Story and photo credit: Napa Valley Register
AMCA NFIRE
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Joint Training
The Napa County Sheriff's Office Lake Unit hosted De-Escalation and Tactical Communications training for the Bureau of Reclamation Park Rangers at lake Berryessa in preparation for Memorial Weekend and the Summer Lake season.
Training consisted of deescalation techniques from the Defensive Tactics Team then led into Ranger Scenarios Ranger scenarios consisted of real world scenarios where rangers had the opportunity to apply techniques taught. In addition to de-escalation techniques, Rangers ran through various Medical Scenarios to better prepare themselves for the dynamic nature of Lake Berryessa.
Participating Agencies include: Amcan / Berryessa CERT, Napa CART, CA Dept. Fish and Wildlife, Cal-Fire, US Coast Guard SF Unit, Napa Sherriff’s Office, AMR and Copter 11 (A joint partnership of American Canyon Fire and REACH Air).
ACCERT is looking for volunteers to join our team! Our group is open to anyone over 18 years old who is able to contribute at least 24 hours a year attending training and/or meetings. Applicants must complete the (free) CERT Basic Skills class in order to join.
May 17th - Yountville Sip and Stroll. ACCERT conducted traffic & pedistrian safety in coordination with event organizers.
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May 24 - Calistoga AG Day. ACCERT assisted Calistsoga CERT with their very first event by conducting parking and traffic control.
If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please contact info@americancanyoncert.org
Next General Membership Meeting
Monday, June 10th @ 7pm
225 James Rd, Station 211
To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
