Suppression Volunteer Recruitment The Ross Valley Department is anticipating openings for qualified candidates into our Suppression Volunteer Program. Minimum qualification at time of appointment: 18 Years of age or older High School Diploma or G.E.D Current Candidate Physical Ability Test Card Current Professional Provider CPR card Valid , EMT-B License CA Valid, non-restricted CA divers license 30 Minute Driving Distance from Station 19 (777 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo) Desirable qualifications: Current or previous firefighting and EMS experience College Fire Science education How to apply: Interested candidates must apply online at www.rossvalleyfire.org/about/volunteer-firefighters Inquiries: Captain Oscar Arenas 415-453-1289 Ext 36 or...
Ross Valley Fire News
News from Ross Valley Fire Department, serving Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, and Sleepy Hollow in Marin county, CA.
Aug
27
Jul
15
Fire Agencies Extinguish Fairfax Home Fire, Wildfire One home destroyed; no injuries sustained San Anselmo, CA– Eight agencies responded to a structure fire and associated wildland fire on the evening of Sunday, July 14. One home was destroyed, but no one was injured by the fire. At 11:05pm, Ross Valley Fire Department was dispatched to 35 Crest Road in Fairfax when the house fire was reported. The first arriving crew found the home fully ingulfed in flames with fire spreading the adjacent wildland space. A second alarm was called prior to the first crew’s arrival at 11:14pm. Approximately 0.25 acre of...
May
21
Beginning the week of May 13, 2019, the recently hired Defensible Space Inspectors started home site visits. The Department is taking an “educational” approach to assist residents in understanding what they can do to protect homes and communities from wildfire. Visit www.rossvalleyfire.org where you will find links with detailed information on how to protect your home from wildfire. You will also find information on how to become a FireWise community. The goal is to conduct site visits at approximately 3,800 residences within our jurisdiction over the next year, areas not inspected this year will be scheduled in subsequent years. The Department...
Aug
24
Please join us for our annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, September 30, 2018, from 8:00am - 11:00am, at our downtown San Anselmo Headquarters Station, 777 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. Cost is $5.00 per person, with kids under 5 eat free! Come and enjoy a hot breakfast with your neighbors before enjoying the 48th Annual Country Fair Day in Downtown San Anslemo.
May
25
Fairfax residents may drop off their brush at the following locations in their neighborhood, tomake it more convenient. The following events are scheduled throughout the summer months. If you are unable to make it to the event in your area, you may bring your brush to any of the locations listed below. The Fairfax "Free Chipper Days 2017" are sponsored by the Town of Fairfax in cooperation with Ross Valley Fire Department, Marin Sanitary Service, and FIRESafe MARIN. Reduce fire danger in Fairfax and help make our neighborhoods safer! Locations and Dates Cascade Neighborhood: Doc Edgar Park Saturday, July 22nd 9 a.m. – 3 p.m...
May
25
NEXT CHIPPER DAY: July 1-2 (Curbside Pick-Up) Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District, Ross Valley Fire Department, and FIRESafe MARIN will conduct four chipper days (weekends) in 2017! Clean up your property to create defensible space and bring us your cut material - we'll dispose of the vegetation at no cost to you! This service is available to Sleepy Hollow residents only. 2017 CHIPPER DAY SCHEDULE COMPLETE: May 5 & 6, 2017DROP-OFF ONLYTime(s): 10AM-2PM (May 5) 9AM-3PM (May 6)Location: End of Butterfield Rd.No registration required July 1-2, 2017Curbside Pick-UpTime: 9AM-4PMLocation: At the curbside in front of your home.Online registration required! (Registration begins June 1) August 26-27, 2017 (tentative)Curbside...
Jan
11
Jan
07
San Anselmo Flood Horn The Town of San Anselmo operates a Flood Warning Horn, located in the Town Hall tower. The horn is audible from most areas subject to flooding. The horn is sounded when flooding is imminent. Town staff will sound the horn with 5 blasts, a pause, 5 blasts, a pause and 5 blasts. If you hear the flood horn, move away flood prone areas. Seek higher ground. Fairfax Flood Siren The Town of Fairfax maintains a Flood Warning Siren. Protocol is to sound the flood siren when flooding is imminent, based on evaluation by town and emergency personnel....
Sep
20
Sep
08
On Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 0659am, the Marin County Sheriff Communications Center will ring down all fire stations in Marin with a special message, and bells, with honor and respect of the 15th anniversary of 9/11/01.Please join us in front of our headquarters station, 777 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, at6:55am, as we pay tribute to those fallen on 9/11. We will be standing next to our 9/11 Memorial, fronting Fire Station 19, which is a piece of steel from the Twin Towers that we received and dedicated on 9/11/11. As the sun rises on this 15th Anniversary of 9/11, many of us...
Aug
18
Fire_Inspector_Counter_Hours_0816.pdf Beginning Monday, August 22, 2016, there will be counter hours for the Fire Inspector. They will be Monday through Thursday, from 8:00am to 11:00am. You can still contact the Fire Inspector to schedule an appointment to discuss a specific project or plan by contacting him directly at 415-258-4673 or via email: rbastianon@rossvalleyfire.org or prevention@rossvalleyfire.org.
Aug
03
Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District, Ross Valley Fire Department, and FIRESafe MARIN will conduct door to door, curbside pick-up chipper days September 7 and 8, 2016. Clean up your property to create defensible space and help prevent wildfires in Sleepy Hollow, then we'll dispose of the vegetation at no cost to you! This service is available to Sleepy Hollow residents only. Date(s): September 7 & 8, 2016Time: 9AM-5PMLocation: At the curbside in front of your home. For questions about the chipping service, please contact toddlando@firesafemarin.org. Summer Chipper Days Register online (see below)! Chipper days are available to residents of Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District only....
Aug
02
Jul
20
Jul
05
Jul
04
The recent, destructive fire in Fairfax emphasizes the potential hazards of improperly using and disposing of oil and stain soaked rags. Spontaneous combustion fires can occur quickly and cause extensive damage to a home. It is important to remember to properly dispose of the used rags. The most common type of Spontaneous Combustion fires are those caused by improperly disposed of oil and stain soaked rags. Examples of these products are oil- based paints and stains, teak and linseed oils, varnishes and polyurethane, paint thinners, etc. Spontaneous combustion of oily rags occurs when rag or cloth is slowly heated to its...
Jun
08
Jun
02
May
02
Apr
26
Ross Valley Fire Department recently achieved an improved Class 2 Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC)! What is an ISO Classification? The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an independent organization that collects and evaluates information from communities in the United States on their fire suppression capabilities. The data is analyzed using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule and then given a Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 1-10. Class 1 represents an exemplary fire suppression program, where as a Class 10 indicates that the community’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria. ISO evaluates four major areas: fire department effectiveness, emergency communications systems, water supply, and...
Apr
26
Ross Valley Fire Department personnel and Explorer Crishten Leon, attended the 2106 Explorer Academy in Oxnard California. Professional Firefighters from all over California, as well as firefighters from Las Vegas, provided hands on and class room training. These activities include: Auto Extrication, Wildland Firefighting, Flammable Liquids Firefighting, Structure Firefighting, as well as Technical Rescue.
Apr
25
All Ross Valley and Marin county residents are invited to attend a free, one-day seminar providing an overview of how homes ignite from wildfire, Firewise® principles, and actions you can take to protect your home. This is a great introductory course for concerned homeowners, agencies, community leaders, professionals, and anyone interested in learning about wildfires and the actions they can take to reduce wildfire losses. This is a full day course, geared toward concerned homeowners living in areas prone to wildfires (hint: if you live in the Ross Valley, or anywhere in Marin). Taught by a recognized national authority on...
Apr
07
Apr
06
Ross Valley firefighters will "Fill The Boot" for MDA April 25 at "the Hub!" Help us help local families fighting neuromuscular disease! Y ou can drop a donation into our boots at "the Hub" or at any one of our other roadside locations. We need your help to break our record and help more families than ever in 2016! LOCATIONS & DATES:Sunday April 24th Tiburon (Main St. at Tiburon Blvd.) 9am-3pmSausalito (Bridgeway at Princess) 9am-3pmNovato (Rowland Blvd. at Rowland Way & Vintage Way) 10am-3pm Monday April 25th San Anselmo (The Hub) 8am-1pmSan Rafael (Grand St. at 3rd & 2nd St.) 8am-1pm
Mar
04
Ross Valley CERT Training When: Saturday, March 19, 2016, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Where College of Marin, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA 94904 (map) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a national program, now part of Citizens Corp under FEMA. CERTs are volunteers who have gone through a training process that enables them to participate in the public safety response in a community following a large scale emergency or disaster. Be a good neighbor and become an emergency volunteer and a Disaster Service Worker. It takes 18 hours and costs only $45.00. This CERT class is two sessions in one weekend. Session...
Mar
03
Jan
26
Jan
26
Jan
26
Jan
26
Jul
13
Ross Valley Firefighters, assisted by Kentfield Fire Protection District and Marin COunty Fire Department quickly extinguished a Sunday night fire at a Fairfax Hot Tub Spa The fire was reported at Frogs, 10 School St. Plaza, at 7:37 p.m., forcing evacuations of nearby businesses. Firefighters attacked the fire aggressively, controlling it at 7:53 pm. Damage is estimated at $60,000, and the cause is under investigation. Upon arrival, Ross Valley firefighters found heavy fire conditions at the rear of the complex. Their quick action limited damage to an exterior spa suite, a utility shed and spa equipment, before the fire spread to...
Jun
03
May
29
May
26
May
26
As we enter wildfire season, Sleepy Hollow residents are required by law to clear 100' of "Defensible Space" around their homes. To help dispose of the large amounts of cut materials, Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District will hold four scheduled chipper days in June 2015 (June 13, 14, 20, 21). Crews will dispose of larger materials that won't fit in your green waste cans (1"-6" diameter limbs, brush, branches, etc). This free green-waste disposal is available to residents of Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District only. If you live outside of the district, please inquire at www.firesafemarin.org for upcoming chipper days at...
May
26
Ross Valley Firefighters and local fire agencies host annual event to benefit burn survivors.
Fire Engine Procession to arrive in San Anselmo Thursday, May 28 at approx. 10:45am.
North Bay fire departments, members of emergency response agencies and California Highway Patrol will rev up and roll through Sonoma and Marin County on Thursday, May 28th for the 18th Annual North Bay Firefighter Burn Relay, a benefit for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF).
This annual fundraising parade of antique and modern emergency vehicles will kick off at Southern Marin Fire Station 1 located in Sausalito (333 Johnson Street), arriving in San Anselmo at 10:45 (approximately), then make its way through the North Bay starting in Marin County and ending in Sonoma County. The North Bay Firefighter Burn Relay will end in a grand finale at Healdsburg Fire Department (601 Healdsburg Ave).
Mar
11
Ross Valley Fire Department announces changes to Fee Schedule and Fees. San Anselmo, CA ~~ At the February 11, 2015 Fire Board meeting, the Ross Valley Fire Department Board of Directors approved an increase to the Fee Schedule and fees that are charged by Ross Valley Fire Department. The fee schedule for the Department had not been updated nor revised since 2006. Over the past several months, Department staff developed a Fee Study by contacting neighboring fire departments and determining the most common methods for calculating fee and permit costs. Department staff concluded that calculating the actual cost for each available...
Feb
05
Jan
15
Ross Valley Fire Department offers CPR classes to the public. The course is the “HeartSaver CPR” from the American Heart Association. Students will learn how to perform CPR and how to relieve airway obstructions or choking in adults, children and infants. The class is geared for non-health care professionals who want to be ready in case of an emergency. This class is not for healthcare professionals. Classes are held at the Ross Valley Fire Department, Fairfax Fire Station 21 located at 10 Park Road, Fairfax (corner of Park and Bolinas Roads). All classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and last for approximately 5 hours. The...
Dec
09
SEVERE WEATHER ADVISORY: The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning and High Wind Warning for Wednesday and Thursday. Forecasters predict heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds developing late Wednesday, continuing through Friday. North Bay rainfall could exceed 5 inches on the windward side of the coast range, with 3-5 inches of rain locally. Heavy rain should be expected Thursday night as well. Possible impacts include flooding, fallen limbs and trees, power lines down, mudslides, and traffic impacts. Ross Valley Fire Depatment strongly encourages businesses and residents to prepare for the upcoming storm. The following lists potential issues and resources...
Dec
09
Oct
31
Daylight Savings Time ended at 2:00am on Sunday November 2, 2014. When you change your clock, change smoke detector. Install a sealed-in lithium battery detector. Starting July 1, 2013, any battery-powered smoke alarm or combination (smoke and carbon monoxide) alarm approved for sale by the state fire marshal must be powered by a sealed, 10-year battery. Smoke detectors do save lives. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.Test your smoke alarms every month.When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside, call 911 and stay outside.Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10...
Oct
24
Oct
15
Sep
09
Please join us on Thursday morning 9/11/14 at 6:55am to observe a minute of silence to remember those lost on 9/11/01. We will gather around our memorial to the 9/11 victims located in front of our fire station at 777 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. MOMENT OF SILENCE WITH BELLS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 6:58 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, September 11 Memorial, Fire Station 19, 777 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA “Signal 5-5-5-5 is a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Fire Department of New York... These bells honor the 343 FDNY Firefighters who answered their last alarm and made the ultimate...
Sep
05
Ross Valley Fire Department will host our annual firefighter's pancake breakfast on Sunday, September 28, from 7:00am to 11:00am at Ross Valley Fire Station 19, 777 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. Cost is $5.00 per person. Bring your whole family and enjoy a great breakfast cooked and served by our firefighters, as well as fun activities for kids.
Aug
10
Aug
01
Jun
02
May
25
From: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fire-Burning-In-3-Story-Apartment-Building-In-San-Anselmo-260544391.htmlBy Bay City News Saturday, May 24, 2014 | Updated 12:40 PM PDT Firefighters are working to put out a stubborn fire inside the walls and floors of a San Anselmo apartment building Saturday morning, the fire chief of the Ross Valley Fire Department said. The fire is burning in a three-story apartment building in the 700 block of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fire Chief Mark Mills said. Motorists have been advised by Central Marin police to avoid the area since 10:15 a.m. Mills said the fire started in a debris pile outside the building and migrated inside, traveling...
May
21
Ross Valley Fire Department has been given the opportunity to conduct live fire training exercises at 25 and 30 Kensington Court/Road in San Anselmo May 27 – 29 and June 2 – 5. The San Francisco Theological Seminary, along with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, has granted the department permission to conduct live fire training inside several structures slated for demolition. This opportunity provides our paid and volunteer firefighters a rare chance to create realistic, practical training exercises which accurately replicate true emergency situations. If you see or smell smoke in the Seminary area during these days, please do...
May
18
Ross Valley firefighters, along with hundreds of others from throughout Marin and California, are working to contain several fires in San Diego County after being dispatched May 17. California Office of Emergency Services fire engines from ross valley, San Rafael, and Kentfield made the trip to the San Diego area as part of a "strike team" with engines and crews from El Cerrito and the San Francisco fire departments. Personnel from Ross Valley include Capt. Scott Porter, engineer Michael Gutierrez, firefighter Jesse Olivatti and engineer Justin Hanson. There were four separate wildfires burning in San Diego County on Friday, spanning nearly 8,000 acres, forcing...
May
05
Each year during the first full week in May, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and our partners work to raise awareness of arson and provide individuals with strategies to combat it in their community. This year, Arson Awareness Week is May 4-10 and focuses on vehicle arson. Vehicle arson motivations and prevention tips Learn about the most common motives for setting vehicle fires and tips you can share with your community to prevent vehicle arson. Vehicle fire investigative hints and successful practices Investigating a vehicle arson can be difficult. Read about three successful local program initiatives and hints that can help when you're investigating...
Apr
22
We invite you to register your participation in America’s PrepareAthon!, a nationwide campaign to improve the Nation’s resilience. This National Day of Action takes place on April 30, 2014. By registering your participation in the first National Day of Action, you help build a stronger and more resilient Nation. Learn your risks and what to do before a Tornado, Wildfire, Flood, or Hurricane strikes your community. Learn the actions to take on how to prepare your family, community, and business. You will have access to these preparedness resources and more that can be customized to fit your needs: “How To” Guides Preparedness PlaybooksPromotional...
Dec
09
Dec
03
Freezing temperatures are in the forecast for Dec. 4 and 5. Insulate your exposed pipes and cover frost-tender plants to prevent possible damage. Below is information on how to wrap your pipes and cover your plants. Preparing for a Winter Freeze It's easy to protect your exposed pipes and it takes just a few minutes. Place foam insulation around exposed pipes and install special blankets made for backflow devices, both available at your local hardware store or irrigation supply house. If you don't have this type of insulation on hand, use old towels or blankets and wrap them in plastic secured in...
Nov
26
Nov
18
A fire that started in a San Anselmo garage was controlled in less than 15 minutes by Ross Valley firefighters early Monday, November 18, 2013. An aggressive fire attack by Fire Captain Isaac Wilson's crew on Medic Engine 20 from the Sleepy Hollow Fire Station #20, aided by three other engine crews, is credited with limiting damage at 217 Oak Springs Drive. The fire started at approximately 3:30 a.m. near an electric car in the garage; when fire crews arrived flames were shooting out the doors and lapping at a second-story deck as well as the roof line, said Battalion Chief...
Sep
13
Sep
12
Sep
11
Sep
10
Sep
06
Sep
06
Jul
19
Jun
20
Jun
20
Jun
12
Ross Valley hillsides, while beautiful, are an ideal environment for a devastating wildland fire. With the onset of summer months comes the drying and curing of our lands. As temperatures peak, humidity drops and the summer winds blow, the potential for wildland fires increase. Despite the efforts of the fire services, many homes are lost each year due to wildland and wildland urban interface fires. It is imperative that you prepare now to protect your home from such occurrences.
To assist homeowners and residents with creating Defensible Space, Ross Valley Fire Department has added several useful videos to our Defensible Space page.
Jun
11
May
29
May
21
Ross Valley Fire Department personnel will soon be out in the neighborhoods reminding homeowners of the requirement for property owners to create defensible space around their homes. The Defensible Space area is the area where you’ve modified the landscaping to give your home the best chance to survive during a wildfire – greatly improving the odds for firefighters who are defending your neighborhood. “Defensible Space” area should be a minimum of 100 feet of clearance around your home (or up to your property line). If your home is on a slope or subject to high winds, extend the distance of this...
May
21
Read about Ross Valley Fire Department's Burn Trailer being used to train new San Rafael Firefighters. http://www.marinij.com/sanrafael/ci_23268067/san-rafaels-new-fire-recruits-near-end-six
Apr
16
Mar
15
Jan
11
An estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss. Only two percent of heating fires in homes involve portable heaters; however, portable heaters are involved in 45 percent of all fatal heating fires in homes! You can prevent a portable heater fire in your home this winter by following a few fire safety steps: Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.Keep anything that can burn such as bedding, clothing and curtains at least three feet away.Only use...
Nov
01
As we watch the news and see the devastation from the Super Storm Sandy on the East Coast, it is a good time to check our own supplies, disaster plans, and check in with our family members to be sure everyone is prepared for disaster. Our area has had its share of disasters, from floods to wind storms and power outages, to major earthquakes and wildland fires. Disasters can be large or small – a power outage lasting for days or a rain storm where you are sheltering at home until it passes. If you and your neighbors would like to...
Oct
22
Oct
22
This week, all professional firefighters in Marin will wear pink t-shirts while on duty to help support breast cancer fundraising and research. Check out the pictures of local firefighters in their pink t-shirts by following the link, below. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in 8 American women and 1 in 1,000 American men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that more than 2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. http://sananselmofairfax.patch.com/articles/why-are-marin-s-firefighters-wearing-pink#photo-11734735
Oct
22
NFPA has everything you need to keep all your little ghosts and goblins safe this Halloween and have some spooky fun, too. Match the jack in the pack activityAll but one of these jolly jack-o'-lanterns matches another jack in the pack. Can you find all the pumpkin pairs? Kids of all ages will have fun with this spooky activity that helps work on similarities, differences,and identifying details. Fire-safety Story Dice Kids love playful ways to generate storytelling and writing ideas. By creating your own fire-safety story dice, students can work on building stories, descriptive words, adding details and generating a beginning, middle...
Oct
16
Great ShakeOut earthquake drills help people in homes, schools, and organizations improve preparedness and practice how to be safe during earthquakes. Most people participate in one of the Official ShakeOut Regions* shown below. Now anyone in other states, provinces, or countries can also register to be included in the global participation total! http://www.shakeout.org/california/
Sep
13
Ross Valley Fire held a brief ceremony to recognize the 11th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. Ross Valley Fire Department officials observed a moment of silence Tuesday morning along with fire stations throughout the county recognize the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Fire department personnel silently assembled around the 9/11 memorial in front of the San Anselmo fire station at 6:58 a.m. while officials gathered around flag poles in front of all the fire stations in Marin. The 9/11 memorial, which was dedicated last year, includes a section of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. At 6:59...
Sep
05
This September marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Pledge to Prepare - Awareness to Action”. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is asking the public -- individuals, business, and organizations -- to take specific action steps by doing at least one of the following: Learn about emergency hazards - including home fires - and their appropriate responses Make a communications plan Build an emergency kit Get involved in preparedness in their community. For more information on National Preparedness Month, including tips on preparing for a fire emergency, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/ The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have...
Sep
05
The Muscular Dystrophy Association of San Francisco needed a little lift and got it last week when Ross Valley and Marin County firefighters chipped in with a significant donation to the group’s “Fill The Boot” campaign. During two 4-hour time slots last week soliciting at the Hub in San Anselmo, the firefighters were able to raise $7,315 bringing the group’s grand total to more than $40,000 for the 2012 fundraising season. “Our success is due to the wonderful travelers and residents of Marin County,” said Bob Briare, president of the Marin Professional Firefighters, Local 1775, International Association of Firefighters. “On behalf...
Aug
21
A strike team from Marin County is on the front line protecting homes at the Ponderosa fire, which is burning east of Redding. The 14 firefighters and five type-one fire engines formed a "Strike Team" led by Novato Division Chief Mark Heine, protecting structures and homes near Shingletown, about 30 miles east of Redding and about 215 miles north of Marin. The crew is comprised of firefighters from Mill Valley Fire, San Rafael Fire, Ross Valley Fire and Marin County Fire Departments. As part of the statewide mutual-aid system, firefighters from across the state assist during major fire events. Read more...
Aug
07
It was just another training day over at the Ross Valley firehouse, where Dr. Mark Bason-Mitchell arrived to give firefighters a lesson at the downtown San Anselmo station. "We have all sorts of training activities, and doctors from Marin General come once a month on different topics," firefighter Todd Standfield said. Monday's topic: "Childbirth and obstetrics." Hours later, the doctor's advice was put to good use when the Ross Valley Fire Department's Engine 19 was dispatched at 7:40 p.m. to handle an "imminent childbirth" in a car that pulled over on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard not far from downtown San Anselmo....
Aug
07
It was just another training day over at the Ross Valley firehouse, where Dr. Mark Bason-Mitchell arrived to give firefighters a lesson at the downtown San Anselmo station. "We have all sorts of training activities, and doctors from Marin General come once a month on different topics," firefighter Todd Standfield said. Monday's topic: "Childbirth and obstetrics." Hours later, the doctor's advice was put to good use when the Ross Valley Fire Department's Engine 19 was dispatched at 7:40 p.m. to handle an "imminent childbirth" in a car that pulled over on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard not far from downtown San Anselmo....
Jul
09
A garage fire in Fairfax early Sunday morning caused about $20,000 in damage, according to the Ross Valley Fire Department. Units responded to a 3:29 a.m. call at 63 Laurel Drive and found a detached garage on fire, according to RVFD's Jim Hanson. It was quickly extinguished and the site was declared under control at 3:53 a.m. Nobody was injured or displaced. There was no damage to the adjacent home, Hanson said. RVFD received assistance from the Marin County Fire Department, and 17 personnel were at the fire scene. The cause is under investigation. Three garages, and several vehicles, were recently damaged in...
Jun
28
A fire that ripped through three garages in San Anselmo was doused by Ross Valley firefighters Wednesday night before it could spread to nearby residences. Flames were roaring from the garages amid plumes of thick smoke, and tires of several cars were exploding with "cherry bomb-like" sounds as Battalion Chief Brian McCarthy arrived at 25 and 35 Entrata Avenue near the Ross border at 10:36 p.m. "It was heavily involved, with three detached garages on fire," McCarthy said. "A small in-law unit was on fire" as well. "It was a mess." Three cars also were burning, one parked in a garage,...
Jun
26
Even though Fire Chief Tom Vallee is walking away from his job of running the town’s Fire Department, he still remains confident the town will get over the bump in the road that the failure of Measure C created in the town of Ross. “I’m confident the town will survive and get over this hurdle,” said Vallee, 55, who ends a 37-year firefighting career in his native Ross on July 2. “The support has always been there in the community. It’s now time for me to decompress for a while.” Town officials continue to mull over their options since the public...
Jun
21
REMEMBER: ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN MARIN! Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. Left: Consumer foreworks come in all shapes and sizes, but leave them to the professionals; Right: A demonstration of what could happen if...
Jun
14
A Fairfax woman who plunged into a well while mowing the lawn was pulled to safety by Ross Valley firefighters during a dramatic rescue Wednesday. The incident unfolded at about 11 a.m. on sleepy Wood Lane in the Deer Park neighborhood when the unidentified woman stepped on a well cover while mowing the lawn of an acquaintance. The wooden cover's hinge apparently gave way, the cover flipped over and she plunged down feet first, hitting the water and bobbing up after never hitting the bottom. She wedged herself about six feet down the shaft, in water authorities later estimated was about...
Jun
04
A recreational vehicle caught fire Monday in Fairfax, setting off a series of small explosions from propane tanks in the trailer, a fire official said. No injuries were reported. The fire broke out at about 2:20 p.m. at 57 Manor Road, where a 24-foot travel trailer was parked in a yard, said Ross Valley fire Battalion Chief Brian McCarthy. The fire threatened a garage but fighters extinguished the flames before it could spread to the building, McCarthy said. The cause was under investigation. "The smell was really acrid," said Patrice Hickox, who lives two properties from the scene. "There were a...
Jun
01
After years of study and discussion, the Ross Town Council voted Thursday to merge its little fire department with the larger Ross Valley Fire Department, a move that is expected to cut costs and improve fire safety in the woodsy community. "Consolidation of services is one of the few ways available to government to provide constituents with better quality service and at the same time save money," said Councilman Scot Hunter, head of the town public safety committee. "It's win-win any way you look at it." With the merger, effective July 1, Ross will share fire services with San Anselmo, Sleepy...
May
01
May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week. This year’s theme is Prevent Youth Firesetting. During the month of May, USFA will focus public attention on the importance of a collaborative effortwith fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire. Did You Know? Fires started by children playing accounted for an average of 56,300 fires with associated losses of 110 civilian deaths, 880 civilian injuries, and $286 million in direct property damage per year between 2005 and 2009.Younger children are more likely to set fires in homes, while older children and teenagers are more likely to set fires outside.Lighters were the heat source in half (50 percent) of child-playing fires in homes. Prevention...
Mar
21
A kitchen fire in San Anselmo caused up to $5,000 to an apartment Wednesday night and forced a lane closure on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The fire broke out at 7:25 p.m. at 1586 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., a two-story apartment complex near the Fairfax border. Ross Valley fire Battalion Chief Jim Hanson said the fire was ignited by an unattended pot on a stove. A neighbor grabbed a fire extinguisher at the building and quickly put out the fire. Damage was limited to the kitchen, and the two apartment residents were not injured, Hanson said. "Everyone should always have within...
Mar
21
Good Timing: Change Batteries, Replace Old Smoke Alarms Daylight Saving Time is a great opportunity to remind residents to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms, but there is more that can be done. Many residents are putting new batteries into smoke alarms that are 10-years-old or older. This can be extremely dangerous. Smoke alarms that are 10-years-old, or older, are no longer reliable. The USFA's Install. Inspect. Protect. smoke alarm campaign offers fire departments and thepublic free smoke alarm fact sheets, posters, pre-written articles and community presentation materials in English and Spanish. The time change creates the perfect opportunity to take advantage of these materials in community presentations, door-to-door canvassing, at fairs, in...
Feb
21
The facts speak for themselves: the relative risk of Americans over the age of 65 dying in a fire is 2.6 times greater than that of the general population. The risk worsens as age increases. People age 85 and older die in fires at a rate 4.4 times higher than the rest of the population. The leading cause of fire deaths in older adults is smoking and the leading cause of fire injuries in older adults is cooking. There are a number of precautionary steps older Americans can take to dramatically reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty, including: Don’t leave smoking materials unattended and never smoke...
Jan
19
Jesse Olivotti of Fairfax was presented his badge today by Fire Chief Roger Meagor. Jesse was hired this month after the retirement of Engineer/Firefighter Ned Farnkopf after more than 32 years of service to our community. Jesse is a life long resident of our community and it’s a pleasure to welcome him to the RVFD family. He began his career with RVFD in 2009 as a volunteer.
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