August 2019

Message from the Chief

For the month of August 2019, I want to give a brief update of wildfire activity in the state this year. The good news is that acreage burned to this date is down 90% compared to the average over the past five years. It is, however, important to remember that the worst of the terrifyingly destructive and deadly fires over the past two years occurred in the fall. Per a CalFire report, the state has not dried out as quickly this year and the temperatures haven’t been consistently as hot. Wind events so far have also not been as strong as in recent years.

As a result of the last two winters of rain and snowfall, only a small portion of the state is listed as abnormally dry to date. A year ago, even after a reasonably wet winter, almost the entire state was listed in a range from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Last year the state dried out quickly, and the results were the worst fire year in state history—in both acreage and deaths—with the Camp Fire in November wiping out the small town of Paradise, destroying nearly 15,000 homes and killing 86 people. At the same time, a wildfire in Southern California burned across the Santa Monica Mountains destroying another 1,500 structures.

Per the same CalFire report, CalFire has fought fires on 38 square miles this year, down from an average of 416 square miles in 2014-2018. Through the same date last year, a total of 4,000 fires had burned more than 970 square miles. The number of fires so far this year, about 3,400, is only down about 15% from last year, meaning the fires have been much smaller.

Wildfires on U.S. Forest Service land this year have also declined. To date, only 41 square miles have burned in national forests, compared to 350 square miles at this time last year.

That is a brief update of the 2019 wildfire season so far. Remember to remain diligent with regard to fire prevention efforts such as maintaining grass, weeds, shrubs, and trees (trim low hanging, dead or dying branches and/or branches that are close to structures). We do not stop our abatement inspection program until the first significant rainfall of the season.

Stay Safe!
Glen E. Weeks
Fire Chief

Monthly Activity Report August 2019

Notable Incidents

Structure Fire, Incident # 1166: On Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 11:19 pm the District responded to a reported structure fire on Burgess Ct. in Canyon Creek. Engine 11 and Brush 11 arrived at the same time and found a single-family structure with the garage well involved in fire. “First Alarm” Automatic Aid was received from Napa County/Cal Fire, Napa, and Vallejo FD’s. Knock down of the fire was rapidly achieved by Engine 11 and Brush 11. There were no injuries resulting from the incident and property damage was confined to the residence which was vacant pending sale. ACPD was also on scene to assist due to the fire being suspicious in nature. 

Vehicle Fire, Incident # 1124: On August 21, 2019, Engine 11 was dispatched to a vehicle fire at 465 Napa Junction Road. Upon arrival, Engine 11 found a (non-operational) vehicle on fire that had been delivered to the steel recycling facility earlier in the week. The crew quickly extinguished the fire which was confined to the vehicle. There were no injuries or additional property damage.

National Night Out

August 7, 2019 “National Night Out” District personnel/apparatus visited various block parties that were held throughout the City of American Canyon.

Training

On August 21st, District personnel participated in the Napa County Interagency Rescue Team Search and Rescue Drill. This months topic was “Trench Rescue.”

In collaboration with the Vallejo FD, American Canyon fire personnel participated in “Drive Through Training” at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. This training helps to ensure the firefighters are familiar with emergency access to the park to help facilitate safe and expeditious response to emergencies. The park is in the Districts automatic aid area with Vallejo.

Probationary Firefighter Paramedic Steele completing the quarterly Advanced Life Support skills training.

1955 Van Pelt Fire Engine

American Canyon Firefighters are working diligently on restoring the 1955 Van Pelt Fire Engine. The third coat of primer was applied. Once the primer dries the next step will be to spray the first coat of red paint!