R O T E C T I O N D I S T R I C T
J U L Y 2 0 2 5
Dear American Canyon Community,
Summer is in full swing here in American Canyon! As the days heat up, so does the energy in our community—with backyard barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers, and of course, the upcoming 4th of July Parade, hosted by American Canyon Parks and Recreation Department. We’re looking forward to seeing you at this cherished tradition, starting at 3 PM and traveling from Elliott Drive to Amarillo Drive. Bring your flags, your sunscreen, and your community spirit!
While we embrace the fun of the season, it’s also a time to stay vigilant about fire safety. Weed abatement enforcement is in full effect to reduce fire fuels and protect our neighborhoods. If you have a concern about overgrown vegetation, visit amcanfire.com/CommunityRisk/Weed-Abatement to learn more or file a report.
Please remember—never leave your BBQ unattended, keep grasses and brush trimmed low, and ensure fire pits are placed safely away from overhangs or flammable materials. Let’s work together to keep summer safe, festive, and fire-free.
And most importantly, a reminder that ALL fireworks are illegal in American Canyon and Napa County even those sold just outside city limits. Fireworks pose a serious fire danger.
Stay safe and see you at the parade!
Geoff Belyea, Fire Chief
Academy 25-01 graduation
On Tuesday, July 1 Vallejo Fire Department, in partnership with American Canyon Fire Protection District, graduated Academy Class 25-01 with eight successful recruits. st,
Among the recruits was the AmCanFire canidate, Manuel Conde. Conde strived for excellence, created camaraderie, and demonstrated skills that will assist him in his success in his probationary period.
Congratulations from Chief Belyea, Assistant Chief Campbell, and all of your peers at AmCanFire. We are excited to have you join our ranks as you continue your exciting career path.
PROMOTED: Academy Recruit to Probationary Firefighter
YEAR TO DATE TRAINING HOURS 565 4,195
Probationary Firefighter Training
EMS Skills: Intubation
USAR:Trench Rescue
Inspection Refresher Training
Continued Ladder Training
AmCanFire Explorers continued ladder training for the month of June. This continued training focused on ladder evolutions and technique refinement.
The Explorers were introduced to the 24 ft extension ladder. Each ladder size has specific uses in the Fire Service. Ladders can be used for bridging, building access, vehicle access and more.
The next drill introduced a 14 ft ladder, two-person ‘throw’. (Throwing a ladder involves hoisting and balancing an extension ladder onto the side of a structure at a 65 to 75-degree angle.) This specific drill provided them the skill of gaining access into buildings for rescue purposes from the exterior of the building.
Nomenclature and ladder commands (verbalizing the next steps of the deployment of the ladder to keep the area clear and safe) were also reviewed.
These drills are the foundation for the next step in learning the complex and comprehensive skill set of ladders in the Fire Service.
Powell Helems Sr., ACCERT’s Director since 2017, has taken a new leadership position with county-level Napa Valley CERT! His new role expands his responsibilities and grants him a greater opportunity to work with all the other Napa county CERT teams, including ACCERT. While he remains a dedicated member of ACCERT, he has chosen not to seek a 6 term as Director in order to focus on his new responsibilities. Our organization wouldn’t be where it is today without Powell’s vision, passion and leadership.
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June 9 (Mon) - ACCERT held its annual elections, with the Secretary, Training and Director positions on the ballot. We’re happy to announce that Beth Marcus and Brian Bennett will be returning as their respective roles as Secretary and Training Director. We’re also very excited to announce that Mary Tabbert has been elected as the new Director of ACCERT! We wish them all the best in their roles.
June 14 (Sat) – ACCERT held its Quarterly Training on Light Search & Rescue. CERT members met at ACFPD Station 2 with Capt. EJ Abalos to review various techniques.
th 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.
CERT Basic Skills class is provided free for residents of Napa County and is held from 8am-5pm over two Saturdays and 8am-12pm on one Sunday for a total of 20 hours of training. Whether you join a CERT team or not, the class provides great information on Disaster Preparedness that anyone can use.
The next CERT Basic Training course will be held in Calistoga on September 6th, 13th and 14th. Additional courses can be scheduled if there’s enough interest.
If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please contact info@americancanyoncert.org
Monday, June 10th @ 7pm 225 James Rd, Station 211
To learn more about the 'Basic CERT Class' scan the QR Code
FIRESAFETY GRILLSMART
Drinkwaterthroughout thedaytoreplacefluid losttosweat&heat. Don'twaitforextreme thirsttodrink.
NeverleaveBBQ’sorfire pitsunattended Alwayskeepyourgrillaway fromstructures,including eavesandawnings.
stayhydrated FIREWORKS:Leavethem tothepros knowthesignsof heatillness
Dizziness,headaches, nausea,confusionor cramps.
Cleardrygrassandbrush aroundyourhome. Especiallynearfences, shedsandpropanetanks. ALLfireworks,including sparklers,areillegalin AmericanCanyon
UseUSCoastGuard-approvedlife jacketsonboatsornearopen water. Neverturnyourbackorget distractedaroundkidswhoarein ornearthewater.