Happy 2009!
2008 was a busy year at the Aptos-La Selva Fire District:
· We helped fight the three largest wildland fires in Santa Cruz County in the last sixty years and also sent crews and equipment to several other fires around California.
· We completed a multi-year capital improvement program that included general refurbishment and seismic retrofit of all three fire stations.
· We purchased and outfitted two new fire engines and a rescue ensuring that none of our front line response apparatus is more than ten years old.
· We hired and trained two new firefighter-paramedics to fill behind a couple of retirements.
· And, new fire board members, Drew Johnston and Bob Spisak, were elected to serve with incumbents Vince Hurley, Don Ramos, and Mike Weatherford.
As we look forward to 2009, the District continues to be financially sound despite the economic troubles that are currently plaguing much of the country. Property taxes (our primary source of revenue) are expected to remain adequate to fund operations and, since we’ve completed most of our capital improvements, we aren’t planning any new large equipment or facilities projects for several more years.
Our focus in the next year will be to continue to be on training for both day to day operations and to prepare our personnel to take on greater roles and responsibility. We are also planning to work with Cal-Fire on some specific projects to improve wildland fire safety within our jurisdiction.
Speaking of fire safety, the winter months can cause a number of hazards to be aware of and prepare for:
· To prevent chimney fires, have your chimney inspected and cleaned if necessary.
· Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in your fireplace.
· Keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace opening.
· Make sure your fireplace fire is out before going to bed and never close your damper while the ashes are still hot (doing so may force toxic carbon monoxide into your house).
· If you use an electric heater, keep it clear of combustible materials and don’t overload your electrical circuits. Avoid using extension cord but if you do, make sure the cord you use is rated to handle the heater (tip: use a cord that’s at least as large as the appliance cord).
· Never bring a gasoline generator, kerosene heater, barbeque, or any other fuel fired device inside your home or building. They produce life threatening amounts of carbon monoxide while operating.
· Avoid using lighted candles but if you do, ensure they’re in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders that cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave candles unattended and ensure they’re all extinguished before going to bed.
· Assume all wires that come down during a storm are electrically charged and stay away from them.
· As always, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
Wishing you a safe and happy year ahead!
Tom Crosser
Fire Chief, ALSFD