American Canyon Fire Protection District News-Ladder, December 2023

AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

News-Ladder

D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 3

A Message from the Chief Dear Residents and Community Members, As we approach the end of the year, I am pleased to bring you the December edition of the American Canyon Fire District Newsletter.

Over the past 12 months, our dedicated team has continued to achieve significant milestones to better serve and protect our community.

We've implemented advanced training programs, upgraded equipment, and strengthened partnerships with neighboring districts. These efforts have resulted in improved response times and enhanced emergency services, even with a significant increase in call volume.

Additionally, our community outreach initiatives, such as Hands Only CPR, and fire extinguisher trainings, have empowered the community with the knowledge and tools to create a safer environment. We are proud of the collaborative spirit that has defined this year and look forward to building on these achievements in the years to come. **Holiday Safety Tips: Keeping Our Community Safe** As we enter the festive holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize safety.

Whether you're decorating your home, cooking a special meal, or traveling to visit loved ones, please keep the following tips in mind: 1. Fireplace Safety: If you're using your fireplace, ensure it's clean and well-maintained. Keep flammable items at a safe distance, and never leave a fire unattended.

2. Cooking Safety: Practice caution in the kitchen. Keep an eye on your cooking, use a timer, and keep flammable items away from stovetops.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand, and ensure smoke alarms are working.

3. Holiday Decorations: Choose flame-resistant decorations, and use caution with candles. Turn off the holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

4. Space Heaters: If using space heaters, keep them away from flammable materials, and turn them off when not in use.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and by taking a few precautions, we can ensure a joyous and accident-free holiday season.

**Annual Toy Drive: Spreading Joy to Those in Need** This holiday season, the American Canyon Fire District is excited to partner with the United States Marine Corps Reserves and the American Canyon Family Resource Center for our annual Toy Drive. We invite you to join us in spreading joy to local families in need. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at either of our fire stations between 0830 AM – 5 PM Monday - Friday, as well as additional locations throughout the community (a QR code to more information is listed on page 10). Let's make this holiday season brighter for every child in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making American Canyon a safer place to live, work, and celebrate. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season!

Sincerely, Geoff Belyea Fire Chief American Canyon Fire District

Operations Division

Incident Type

2022

2023

Change

Fires

71

75

6%

Medical Aids

986

1,018

3%

Hazardous Conditions

30

40

33%

Good Intent Calls

47

105

123%

False Alarms

85

97

14%

Canceled Enroute

166

189

14%

Total Calls YTD

1,501

1,935

29%

November Training Monthly Training Hours

2,445

YTD Training Hours

23,517

Highlights Joint Night Drill with Napa City Fire Department Napa County Paramedic CQI with Napa County EMS Director Dr. Karl Sporer EMS Skills Update USAR Training

BADGE

PINNING On Tuesday, November 8th , Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Jack Billeci was sworn in and received his badge. Billeci joined the #AmCanFire District in September of 2023.

Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Billeci was joined by his wife, son, and several members of his family. His wife, Emily, did the honors of pinning his badge.

Fire Board Member Joseph and Napa County Supervisor Chair Ramos were also in attendance.

Welcome to the family Jack!

CITIZENS

ACADEMY

Citizen's Academy 2023 November 15th, the City of American Canyon - Government Citizen's Academy visited Station 11 to learn about the inter-workings of a Fire District.

Fire Chief Belyea and PIO Provencher gave a presentation about the Fire District before the crews took over. The students were able to learn and use the Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) in a smoke (fog) filled room, learn Hands-Only CPR, and watch a demonstration of airbags being able to lift a vehicle to 'rescue a trapped victim'.

Each of these Citizens who took the time to learn more about their community was in awe of the level of training, dedication, and commitment it takes to be a member of AmCanFire.

AMERICAN CANYON ARE YOU READY?

TEXT 94503 TO 888777 TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS AND UPDATES

READYNAPACOUNTY.ORG

EXPLORER CORNER This month the first drill was a ‘FREE’ drill.

The idea behind the drill was to allow the explorers to choose something as a group that would build comradery in a team environment. The explorers chose to play volleyball and flag football, this took place out at Shenandoah Park. Continued team building in both a fun, and work environment builds trust, friendship, and reliability within the team.

The second drill was hosted at the training tower at Station 211. The drill consisted of Evolution 2, our extended fire attack evolution, and forcible entry through the door prop. The Explorers were put into groups of two and rotated through each station pulling hose and breaking through the door prop using tools such as axes. This drill highlighted the importance of communication and working as a good team member.

Interesed in becoming an Explorer?: amcanfire.com

TOY

Drive NOVE M BER

28 - DECE M BER 30

Help donate new toys to give children a better holiday season.

Every donation makes a difference.

DESIGNATED DROP-OFF POINT For more information visit www.amcanfire.org/toysfortots or call (707) 551-0650

SUCCESS

WITH SAFETY December- Space Heater Safety

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