ANDERSON VALLEY FIRE
DEPARTMENT
LONG RANGE PLAN
Adopted 05/21/2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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14.
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19.
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Title Page
Index
Mission Statement
Foreword
Overview – Revenues
Overview – Revenue Projections
Overview – Debt Service, Reserves
Overview – Population Review Table
Population Statistics by Station
Stations Response Areas Map
Department Status Review by Stations – Boonville
Department Status Review by Stations -- Philo
Department Status Review by Stations – Navarro
Department Status Review by Stations – Yorkville
Department Status Review by Stations – Fish Rock
Department Status Review by Stations – Signal Ridge
Department Status Review by Stations – Holmes Ranch
Future Expansion
Annexation
Review of Department Communication Equipment
ISO Rating
Mutual Aid Agreements; Auto Aid Agreements;
Current Paid Services & Personnel; Anticipated Future Personnel Needs
Prevention Activities
Review of Goals from 2005 Plan.
Incident Totals, 1998-2013
2
MISSION STATEMENT
The Anderson Valley Fire Department is dedicated and committed to providing the highest level of
emergency services possible within our District. We will additionally respond, whenever possible, to
requests for assistance from our neighbors in Mendocino County, or elsewhere in the State. Our
mission is to protect lives, and prevent or reduce damage to property from fire, flood, storms or other
hazardous conditions, to provide comfort and aid to those who are injured, ill, or at risk, and to
prevent or limit damage to the environment resulting from hazardous material spills and other events.
We will perform these duties to the best of our ability when it is within our means and scope to do so.
We will join with other members of the emergency services team in a partnership to ensure the most
effective and efficient delivery of services to those in need. Our volunteers will set aside their
personal needs and responsibilities to perform difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks, often for
people they have never met and will never see again. They do this at a moment’s notice regardless
of the weather, at any time of the day or night, and they do it without thought of compensation. The
Anderson Valley Fire Department Volunteers don’t ask “Why me?” or “What’s in it for me?” They
simply step forward when called.
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FOREWORD
The 2014 revision of the Anderson Valley Fire Department’s Long Range plan is the fourth edition of
the plan. A complete rewrite of the plan was done in 2005. This fourth edition will use the 2005 plan
as a benchmark to measure progress over the last five years. The format of the current edition will be
similar to the 2005 plan with some minor alterations. As with the 2005 plan, we will provide a review
of Department revenues, expenses and reserves. Fire Prevention activities will be reviewed and
recommendations for improvement will be made. The current status of apparatus, facilities,
equipment and personnel will be detailed along with recommendations for changes and
improvements in these areas to better serve the people of Anderson Valley. We will also note the
status of items recommended in the 2005 plan.
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OVERVIEW OF CURRENT STATUS WITH HISTORICAL
PERSPECTIVE
REVENUES
The Department receives income from seven primary sources:
Property Tax Income: The Property Tax revenues are divided between the Fire Department and
the Community Services District (CSD). During the life of the preceding Fire Department’s Long
Range Plan (LRP) Property Tax Revenues have been divided between the Fire Department and
the CSD. The percentage has ranged from year-to-year with somewhere between 85% and 92%
going to the Fire Department. In 2011 the Administrative Fee paid by the Fire Department to the
CSD was discontinued and a new “Combined Budget” format was adopted. The new format was
adopted principally to simplify the budgeting, bookkeeping and auditing process. Under the new
format the CSD receives an increased proportion of the property tax revenues but also assumes
the responsibility for some additional expenses previously paid by the Fire Department. There
was no appreciable change in the net revenues received by the Fire Department.
A component of the new Combined Budget was the abandonment of administrative fees paid by
all departments to the CSD. It was stipulated by the Board during this process that administrative
services that had historically been provided by the CSD would continue to be provided in future
years without additional charge but that any new requested services would potentially require the
implementation of additional charges in an offsetting amount to the requesting department.
Property Tax revenues have historically increased by three to five percent over the past ten plus
years. Beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010/11, the annual increase in Property Tax revenues
reduced to 0% and has remained at that level through FY 2012/13. With the recovering economy,
it is anticipated that we will begin seeing a small annual increase in this revenue source in coming
years.
Benefit Assessment: Remained flat at approximately $111,800 annually from 1996 through
2003 when the first review and update was conducted. A second annual review was conducted in
2004 and the total for Benefit Assessment revenue rose to approximately $117,000.
Subsequently, a complete review of all commercial and residential properties was conducted and
completed in FY 2011/12. The result of these reviews, plus some additional revenues generated
by new construction, has brought the annual revenue for the Benefit Assessment to approximately
$144,000.
The review process has made several things clear regarding the Benefit Assessment. First, it is
imperative that we conduct an annual review and update to ensure we are capturing the revenue
from new development in the District. Secondly, it appears to be within the capabilities of our
organization without having to hire an additional consultant. Thirdly, the method for conducting
the review is to request an annual printout of all new building permits issued in the District from
Planning and Building and to compare this to the printout we receive from the Assessor’s Office
which details the amount of the assessment for each parcel. Additionally, we receive a list of
newly created parcels from the Assessor’s Office, which also needs to be reviewed and an
appropriate level of assessment established. Lastly, we need to routinely reassess parcels on
which we provide plan reviews for new construction or subdivision.
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Strike Team Revenues: The Department participates in Strike Team Mutual Aid responses
during most years. The associated income is divided between the engine staff and the
Department with the larger portion going to the staff. The income generated by Strike Team
participation varies widely from year-to-year ranging, from nothing to over $100,000 in 2008/9.
Although this type of revenue cannot be predicted or budgeted, it will in all likelihood be a
continuing source of additional income to the Department.
Out-of-District Billing: Fees collected for Out-of-District Billing have increased dramatically in
the last two years from $3,800 in FY 99/00 to over $10,000 in FY 12/13. The increase has
occurred for three reasons. First, we have refined and improved the billing process so that bills
are routinely issued on all chargeable calls in a timely fashion and prompt follow up with
delinquent notices and referral to a collection agency for bills 60 days past due and approved by
the Board for collection. We have also made online payment possible by installing Pay Pal on our
Department website. Secondly, there has been a steadily increasing amount of tourists both
traveling through and staying in the District. This increase is due to the “discovery” of Anderson
Valley and the Mendocino coast as a tourist destination. A major influence on this has been the
development of the wine industry in the Valley. It is probably reasonable to assume this pattern
will continue in the near future. Third, a review of our billing schedule was conducted in May of
2013 and our fees were increased substantially at that time.
Another possible area to receive cost recovery would be to bill the County and State for responses
to their properties that are not covered under agreement or contract. Responses to State and
County properties might include facilities such as the fairgrounds, schools, and parks. Any billing
of these entities should be carefully considered in relationship to existing agreements and
relationships.
False Alarms
We currently have an Ordinance permitting us to bill the responsible party after the third false
alarm has been received in a twelve month period. The ordinance states that false alarm
dispatches will not be counted if we are canceled prior to the first unit response. After the
adoption of the ordinance we experienced a remarkable reduction in false alarm calls and have
not yet had a billable false alarm call.
Contract Services
Several years ago we began offering “Contract Services” to some property owners who owned
parcels on or near the District boundaries. This program required and received approval from
LAFCO at its inception and the program was further ratified in the Municipal Service Review
completed in 2013. There is a provision in this authorization that presumes the use of Contract
Service agreements will lead to eventual Annexation of the contracting parcels. No specific
timeframe was attached to this provision.
Donations: Most of our donation income is collected through the Anderson Valley Volunteer
Firefighters Association (AVVFFA). This income is raised through solicitation letters and various
other fundraisers. The income is expended at the discretion of the Association on items that are
intended to improve the working conditions of the Firefighters. The Association typically raises
something between $30,000 and $40,000 dollars annually. Generally, the annual fundraising
drive targets a specific project such as the purchase of new apparatus or the construction of a
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new station. The Association has made significant contributions to the construction of the
Boonville, Philo, Navarro and Holmes Ranch Stations as well as the purchase of several new and
used fire apparatus over the past several years.
Another major contributor is the Yorkville Community Benefits Association (YCBA). In recent
years the YCBA has donated roughly $110,000 to assist with purchasing a new interface engine
and a new patrol engine. The YCBA continues to fundraise for the Fire Department and will be an
active participant in donations during the life of this plan.
The Department also receives approximately $5,000 in donations made directly to the Fire
Department.
Grants: We apply for several grants each year and have received an average of approximately
$7,000 per year.
Grants are a potentially very significant source of revenue that we could probably do considerably
better on. The current limitation is the amount of time the Fire Chief has to devote to this subject.
It is recommended that a volunteer Grant Coordinator be recruited and charged with researching
and applying for applicable grant opportunities under the direction of the Fire Chief and the
General Manager.
Foundation: The consideration of a Fire Department Foundation may be considered during the
life of this plan. The Anderson Valley Volunteer Fire Fighters Association should be involved in
the consideration of any foundation creation or discussion.
Revenue Projections
We have historically anticipated approximately 3% annual real growth in revenues (4% to 5%
including inflation). With the current reduction in increases to the Benefit Assessment and Property
Taxes, this anticipated increase has declined somewhat but, over the long run it is probably a
reasonable guestimate. It is important to note that the Benefit Assessment, which currently provides
nearly 50% of our annual income, is basically fixed revenue. The assessment only increases when
new parcels are created or new homes or business are constructed and these changes are
documented and reported to the County. As our costs increase; inflation, fuel, insurance, salaries
etc., the relative value of these funds will effectively depreciate. Over the term of this plan it will quite
likely become necessary to attempt to gain voter approval to replace the Benefit Assessment with a
Special Tax at an increased rate. New legislation has significantly changed the requirements for a
District to impose a Benefit Assessment, making a Special Tax the much preferred vehicle for this
type of revenue. The current tendency of the State to reduce or divert revenues from Special Districts
while passing un-funded State mandates that increase our cost either directly or indirectly will only
amplify this problem.
If additional funding should become necessary, Development Impact Fees would be another potential
source of revenue for the Department. Development Impact Fees may be imposed by districts such
as ours to offset the cost of providing additional facilities, apparatus, equipment etc. required by new
growth in construction. The AV Unified School District recently implemented Development Impact
Fees and has been collecting them for several years without challenge. The process requires that
the governing body (in our case the CSD) establish a fee that reasonably relates to the cost of
providing future services. The California Mitigation Fee Act (1978 Government Code 66000-66025
AB1600) defines the authorization and requirements for implementation. Mitigation fees are charged
per square foot of new construction. The AVUSD charges $2.24 per Square foot for residential
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buildings ($4,480 for a 2,000 sq ft home) and $0.36 for commercial. These are one time fees paid
during the permit process.
Debt Service
Combined Building and Apparatus Loan
In 2004 we refinanced the new Boonville Station and borrowed additional funds for a new engine that
was received in July of ‘05. We currently are expending $40,500 annually in principal and interest
payments on this loan. These payments continued through March of 2014 when the loan was fully
repaid. These funds are now available for other purposes.
Reserves
As of December 2013 the following amounts were available in dedicated Reserves on deposit in the
County Pool:
Apparatus Reserve
$ 208,857
Structure Reserve
$ 15,495
Unfunded Emergency Reserve
$ 36,354
________________________________________________________
Total of Fire Dept. Reserves
$ 255,460
The Department also maintains a cash reserve to fund expenditures from July 1 st through to January
1st (when first property tax and benefit assessment funds are received) with a minimum beginning
balance of $135,000 available on July 1st.
Projected Revenue Overview
As of this writing, the Fire Department is adequately funded from the above described revenue
sources combined with the regular significant contributions from the AVVFFA. With the March 2014
retirement of the Building/Engine loan, annual expenditures will be reduced by approximately $40,000
putting us on an even better financial footing. Even allowing for the potential hire of an additional part
time paid employee, the Fire Department should be able to continue its present level of operation
without significant additional funding certainly through the next five years and probably through the
next 10 plus years.
Given the structure of the Benefit Assessment which has no built-in cost-of-living increase, it is nearly
certain that at some point in the future we will have to attempt to obtain a new Special Tax approval
from the voters of our District which would replace the existing Benefit Assessment. With the recent
implementation of Cal Fire’s Fire Prevention Fee, passage of such a measure may well be
problematic.
Given this fact, careful consideration should be given to any actions which would significantly
increase expenses on a continuing basis that could not be shed without financial penalty such as the
assumption of long term debt.
Population Review
8
The table on the following page represents population statistics for each of the station response areas
with figures from the 1990, 2000 and 2010 censuses. The only breakdown that was available was by
race and is shown as “white” and “other”. The “other” category is predominately Latino although it
also captures a small number of other races. Figures shaded in red contain apparent anomalies that
would result in statistically significant errors (more than 2%). Figures shown in green contain errors
that are statistically insignificant (less than 2 %).Corrected figures were not available. For the most
part, the errors will not significantly impact the total figures but do obviously greatly distort the three
right hand columns representing percentage of increase or decrease for a given response area and
time period.
These figures do not capture “second home residents” and may have missed a significant portion of
undocumented immigrants who may not have been counted in the census.
These figures also do not reflect the more than doubling of our population during the County Fair and
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival.
A cursory examination of the figures reveals that there was a very large increase in the Latino
population between 1990 and 2000 of over 200% and a smaller but still very significant increase of
about 26% between 2000 and 2010 while the white population had an overall decline over both
periods of about 5%.
The initial wave of Latino emigrants included a high percentage of non-English speakers. The more
recent increase in the Latino population reflects, in part, the birth of emigrant’s children who have
attended school here and are all fluent English speakers. The issue of language is significant to us
because only about 10% of the Department speaks Spanish making communication on scene
problematic in some cases. Non-English speaking 911 calls also frequently present problems
resulting in delayed response times and inaccurate description of the emergency.
In spite of active recruiting in the Latino Community, the Department currently has only two Latino
members. This has two negative impacts; first, we are trying to serve the community with a volunteer
force that is only recruiting from 2/3rds of the population and secondly, our ability to communicate
with Spanish speakers is very limited.
The most striking aspect of this data is that we have experienced a nearly 27% increase in population
over the past 20 years. It is apparent from the data that all of this increase is from the Latino
community. It is also apparent that the rate of increase has greatly slowed during the period from
2000 to 2010 and that the wave of new emigrants has decreased to an even greater degree.
It is also suspected that the declining white population for the 20 year period is probably created by
the fact that most white children leave the Valley after high school and don’t return. These losses are
being replaced to some extent with new people moving to the Valley.
Unfortunately, the inability to get the population figures broken down by age prevents us from
determining how our population is aging. In the 2005 Long Range Plan we had age statistics
available. At that time 27% of our population was under 18, 64% was between 18 and 65 and 9%
was over 65.
In anticipating the future, we expect to see a slower overall rate of increase and that the Latino
community will probably continue to grow faster than the white community. It is hoped that we will be
more successful in recruiting Latinos and it is recommended that this be a goal during the life of this
Plan.
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The conclusions stated above are based on the available census data and should be considered as
presumptions and not used as complete factual evidence.
AVFD POPULATION STATISTICS
Census Year
STATIONS
1990
2000
1990/2000 2000/2010
2010
1990/2010
Boonville (741)
White
Other
1102
153
1024
500
929
616
-7.08%
226.80%
-9.28%
23.20%
-15.70%
302.61%
Sub Totals
Philo (742 & 748)
White
Other
1255
1524
1545
21.43%
1.38%
23.11%
535
85
331
225
442
355
-38.13%
164.71%
33.53%
57.78%
-17.38%
317.65%
Sub Totals
Navarro (743)
White
Other
620
556
797
-10.32%
43.35%
28.55%
2
1
148
19
143
50
7300.00%
1800.00%
-3.38%
163.16%
7050.00%
4900.00%
Sub Totals
Yorkville (744)
White
Other
3
167
193
5466.67%
15.57%
6333.33%
204
12
219
57
219
45
7.35%
375.00%
0.00%
-21.05%
7.35%
275.00%
Sub Totals
Fish Rock (741)
White
Other
216
276
264
27.78%
-4.35%
22.22%
24
2
26
22
33
2
8.33%
1000.00%
26.92%
-90.91%
37.50%
0.00%
Sub Totals
Signal Ridge (746)
White
Other
27
48
35
77.78%
-27.08%
29.63%
60
1
129
15
123
4
115.00%
1400.00%
-4.65%
-73.33%
105.00%
300.00%
Sub Totals
Holmes Ranch (747)
White
Other
60
144
127
140.00%
-11.81%
111.67%
318
25
282
72
344
99
-11.32%
188.00%
21.99%
37.50%
8.18%
296.00%
Sub Totals
Rancho Navarro (749)
White
Other
343
354
443
3.21%
25.14%
29.15%
133
6
129
23
161
36
-3.01%
283.33%
24.81%
56.52%
21.05%
500.00%
Sub Totals
Sub Tot All Stations
139
152
197
9.35%
29.61%
41.73%
10
White
Other
2378
284
2288
914
2394
1157
-3.78%
221.83%
4.63%
26.59%
0.67%
307.39%
Sub Total Both
2662
3202
3551
20.29%
10.90%
33.40%
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Department Status Review; Apparatus, Facilities, Water for Fire Protection and Personnel
The Anderson Valley Fire Department currently (June of 2014) operates 23 pieces of apparatus from
nine locations with 43 Volunteer Firefighters. The following review of Apparatus, Facilities, Water for
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Fire Protection and Personnel will consider the current status of, and anticipated future needs, in
each of these categories.
Boonville:
Boonville is our busiest station fielding approximately 45% of our total call volume. Boonville is also
the primary support Station for both Philo and the East end of the District. Additionally, the primary
Rescue vehicle for the District is quartered here which responds on all Traffic Collisions (TCs) until it
is determined that it is not needed. The combined result of these factors is that the principal
responders from this Station are subject to considerably greater stress that the average Volunteer.
The Boonville station is the administrative and training center for the District. The Anderson Valley
Community Services District office and Fire Chief’s office are located here along with the main
storage for supplies and equipment.
Boonville Station is also our primary maintenance facility with most preventive maintenance and
repair activities being conducted here.
Apparatus:
7481 a type II structure engine (1972, Motor and Transmission replaced in 1996, in poor condition).
7471 a type III FED-X wildland engine (1995 Ford F800) in good condition
7431 a heavy rescue truck with extrication tools also used for command vehicle (2011 Ford F550 in
excellent condition)
7490 a 2000 gallon Fed-X water tender (1987 IHC all-wheel drive) in generally good condition.
7400 Chief’s command vehicle (2006 Ford F350 with slip-mount) in good condition. (This vehicle is
quartered in Yorkville nights and weekends).
Future Boonville Apparatus Needs:
7481 is over 40 years old and has developed a number of mechanical problems. It has been
identified as the next engine to be replaced in the fleet and it is anticipated that it will be replaced
within the life of this plan.
7471 is a 1995 Ford F-800 FED-X AWD wildland engine. It is generally in good condition and is used
for out-of-county strike team assignments. 7471 is not scheduled for replacement at this time but it
may well need to be replaced within the life of this plan due to the heavy use it sometimes receives
on strike team assignments.
7400 is a 2006 Ford F-350 quick response engine with a 160 gallon slip mount pump unit installed.
Due to the extensive use of this vehicle it will need to be replaced within the life of this plan. It is
recommended that it be replaced within the next five years so that it will hopefully have some
serviceable life remaining allowing it to be reassigned to another location in the District where it would
have a low amount of usage.
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Facilities:
Structures:
Newly (2001/2002) constructed main Station with five apparatus bays, office space for Fire and CSD,
crew quarters for two firefighters and a training/meeting room. An additional room suitable for use for
meetings or training was recently added to the mezzanine. No replacement or remodel should be
required for the life of this plan, in good condition.
Water Supplies:
Four hydrant systems are available in the Boonville response area.
Fairgrounds
Two hydrants located on Highway 128 East and West of the Fire Station. Additional hydrants are
located on the interior of the Fairgrounds. The entire system is owned by the Fairgrounds. The
Highway 128 hydrants provide service to the majority of downtown Boonville and are the basis of the
ISO 5 rating for any structures located within 1,000 feet of them. The system stores approximately
60,000 gallons of water that can be delivered at a rate of over 600-gallons per minute.
High School
The High School has two independent hydrant systems. The old system is supplied from a 10,000
gallon tank that also serves the potable water system. It supplies water to three hydrants located
near Mountain View Rd. at approximately 200 + gallons GPM. The Ag system recently had a pump
upgrade and supplies three hydrants at the rear of the school at about 200 GPM with 50,000 gallons
of storage.
Elementary School
Two hydrants are located on the Elementary School grounds. These hydrants are owned by the
School but may be used for any emergency need. The system stores over 10,000 gallons of water
and can deliver it at about 200 GPM.
Airport Subdivision
One hydrant is located on Estates Drive on the southeast end of the subdivision and another hydrant
on Meadows Dr. on the northwest end of the subdivision. A third hydrant is located on Airport Road.
The hydrants are owned by the subdivision and are available only for emergency use. The system
stores over 20,000 gallons of water and can currently deliver it at a rate of approximately 120 GPM.
Future facilities needs:
Structures
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This facility is anticipated to meet the needs of the Fire Department and CSD for the life of the plan.
In any event, the Boonville site is 100% developed. Some future modifications could be made to the
structure but no additional space is available for new construction at this site.
Future Water Supply Needs:
It would be desirable from the Department’s perspective to extend the current hydrant system in both
directions through Boonville. This prospect is probably extremely unlikely since it would depend on
the Fairgrounds to provide the water and the construction cost would be prohibitively expensive. The
most realistic scenario for expansion of the Boonville hydrant system would involve the building of a
municipal water supply facility for the entire town which may become necessary due to contamination
of the current groundwater supply and/or increased future demand exceeding the currently available
supply. Such a project would almost certainly be grant-funded and, if constructed, should definitely
include water for fire protection.
Personnel:
Boonville is currently fully staffed with 11 personnel; a Battalion Chief, a Fire Captain, a Lieutenant,
an Engineer, four Firefighters, two recruits and one EMT (medical calls only). Five of the other listed
station personnel are also EMTs. Six are interior qualified and eight are wildland qualified. Five of
the listed personnel are Engineer qualified. As stated in the opening paragraph, Boonville is by far our
busiest Station and is subject to some unique demands as our Headquarters Station. The Boonville
personnel carry a disproportionate share of the “housekeeping” duties with most general trainings
being held here and most supplies being stored here. Additionally, most of the “re-supply” activities
occur here following major incidents including maintenance and re-supply for the SCBAs and much of
the hose maintenance.
Future Personnel Requirements:
The Boonville Station should be staffed with a recommended maximum of ten personnel, not counting
the Battalion Chief or Fire Chief positions. The ten slots should be allocated to; one Fire Captain, one
Lieutenant and eight Firefighters/Engineers. The Battalion Chief’s position is for the central district
and could be staffed from either the Boonville or Philo Stations. A minimum of six personnel should
be interior/wildland qualified, four should be Engineer qualified, and a minimum of three should be
EMTs
OLD/NEW PHILO:
Apparatus (Old Philo):
7482, a type II structure engine (1959 Ford in poor condition). This is the oldest engine in the fleet
and currently operates as a second out engine. Given its age, it is in surprisingly good condition and
is adequate for the “second out” assignment it fulfills.
Future Apparatus Needs OLD Philo:
7482 may need to be maintained as long as it is deemed desirable to keep the Old Philo Station in
operation because the ceiling height will not permit anything but antique vehicles.
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Apparatus New Philo:
7488, a 1975 International type II structure engine that is equipped and utilized as an interface
engine. This engine is the primary response engine for the Philo station.
7468, a 1991 Chevy 3500 Fed-X type VI wildland pick-up pumper (1991 Chevy USFS engine in good
condition). This truck was acquired through the Fed X program and is very functional and well
equipped.
7478 a 1991 Ford F800 AWD Fed-X Type III wildland engine in good condition.
Future Apparatus needs NEW Philo:
7488 is an older engine but has been well maintained and is only responded on fire calls so it could
be continued in service for a number of years. It might or might not need to be replaced during the
life of this plan.
7468 has been a maintenance problem for its entire life with us. It is also the most frequently
responded engine from the Philo stations. For these reasons it is recommended that it be replaced
with something similar to 7431 or 7464 within the life of this plan.
7448, a 1992 Ford F350 Utility. This vehicle is equipped and supplied for minor hazmat “spill” related
incidents and also serves as the tow vehicle for MCI 74 a small trailer containing equipment for MCIs
and incidents requiring an on-site command post.
MCI 74, a 2006 interstate trailer owned by the County of Mendocino and equipped with medical
equipment sufficient to handle a 10 person MCI. The Trailer is also equipped with a generator, lights,
tables and chairs for an on-site command post.
Facilities:
Old Philo station is a 20 foot by 50 foot wood frame building built in the late 50s. It has an 8 foot high
ceiling which precludes the storage of most newer fire engines. The building is not insulated and in
generally poor condition. We maintain a 5,000 gallon tank at the site plumbed to a roadside “draft
hydrant”. This station is maintained to assist with meeting the ISO requirements for stations, engines
and water supply.
New Philo is a 40 x 70 foot insulated and heated metal building built in 2006. It has four apparatus
bays and a 9,000 gallon water supply with hydrant supplied from rainwater run-off from the roof. It
was built to replace the Old Philo Station.
Future Facilities Needs:
Structures;
Old Philo
The Old Philo Station located in downtown Philo is an aged structure 20 feet wide by 50 feet long.
The building is in poor condition and very poorly suited for our needs. There are several problems
with the building and the lot that make improvement difficult, if not impossible, on the current lot. We
own the property but there is a revision clause that prevents our selling the property. Construction of
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the New Philo Station has largely mitigated the facility needs in Philo. For the reasons stated above,
we will probably want to continue to utilize the existing Old Philo station for the life of this plan.
New Philo
The New Philo station should meet the needs of the Department in this area beyond the life of this
plan.
Water Supplies:
We have a 5,000-gallon tanker trailer in a fixed location next to the Old Philo station and plumbed to a
flooded dry hydrant by the road.
Three tanks containing approximately 8,000 gallons of water are located on the I&E Lath Mill property
on School House Road and plumbed to a flooded dry hydrant on the corner of the property and
accessible from the road.
As noted above, the New Philo Station includes a 9,000 gallon water supply with a flooded dry
hydrant at the site.
Future Water Supply Needs:
Philo has a very significant structure exposure with several large buildings and two saw mills. We
need to develop additional water supplies in town to provide the required fire flow. The pond located
near the entrance to the Scharffenberger Winery would be well suited to this purpose. It is
recommended that a hydrant project be constructed utilizing this pond and extending a minimum 3
inch siphon supply line to the southeasterly corner of the Scharffenberger property terminating at a
hydrant near this point.
Personnel: (Old and New Philo)
Due to the close proximity of the Old and New Philo stations, Philo personnel respond to both stations
as required.
Philo is currently staffed with a Fire Captain, one Engineer and three Firefighters two of whom are
interior/wildland qualified, one EMT (Medical calls only) and one recruit.. One of the Firefighters is
also an EMT. In addition to the listed engineer, two of the other listed personnel are engineer
qualified.
Future Personnel Needs: (Old and New Philo)
As our second busiest Station, Philo should be staffed with a recommended maximum of ten
personnel including a Fire Captain and a Lieutenant’s position. A minimum of six personnel should
be interior/wildland qualified, two should be EMTs, and four should be engineer qualified. Three of
the four Philo personnel have limited availability to greater or lesser degrees. Recruitment of
additional personnel in this Station is a high priority.
NAVARRO/RANCHO NAVARRO
Apparatus: Navarro:
17
7483 – Type II Structure Engine. A 1974 American La France in poor condition. Although in poor
condition this engine is not slated for replacement due to the fact that it is seldom utilized for
response. Additionally, the facility where it is stationed has a low ceiling that would preclude most
newer apparatus being housed there.
Apparatus Rancho Navarro:
The Rancho Navarro Station currently operates three apparatus.
7499 - Water tender. A 1995 Ford L800 2500 gallon tender in good condition.
7489 – Type II interface engine, 2005 GMC in new condition.
7469 – Type IV FED X mini-pumper engine, in good condition. This apparatus is housed at one of the
Rancho Navarro station personnel’s home.
Future Navarro Apparatus Needs:
None. See notation under Navarro Apparatus above.
Future Rancho Navarro Apparatus Needs:
Engine 7469 will need to be replaced within the life of this plan. We recommend replacing it with an
“all risk” apparatus similar to Rescue 7431. The replacement vehicle should be either new or recent
vintage AWD with a utility bed large enough to accommodate rescue/extrication tools. This apparatus
should also be equipped with a slip mount pump unit preferably with a 300 gallon water tank and
foam unit.
Facilities:
Structures Navarro:
The Navarro Station is located in downtown Navarro on property owned by the District but with a
revision clause that prevents sale. It is a one bay station situated on the Southerly side of the
highway between residential parcels. The Station is in fair condition but is small and damp. The lot is
sloped and timbered and would not be easy or cheap to develop. There are currently no volunteers
who live in the town of Navarro.
The property would revert to Mendocino Redwood Company
(MRC) if we discontinued our use of it as a Fire Station.
Future Structure Needs Navarro:
As stated above, the Navarro Station although in poor condition and with significant height
restrictions, would be difficult to replace or remodel due to the limitations of the lot. For these
reasons, we do not recommend a replacement for this station within the life of this plan.
Structures Rancho Navarro:
18
The Rancho Navarro Station is a two bay newly constructed building located at the Club House on
the Rancho Navarro Subdivision. It will meet the needs of the District in this area for the life of this
plan.
Water Supplies Navarro and Rancho Navarro
The Department has completed two hydrant projects in this area. The first one is on Bald Hills Road
on Rancho Navarro. We installed a 10,000-gallon tank and 650 feet of water line to a hydrant
located at the intersection of Bald Hills Road and Tramway Road. The hydrant flows over 200 gallons
per minute and provides water for fire suppression in a area that is difficult to reach and previously
had no water available for fire protection. Upon completion, the system was turned over to the
Rancho Navarro Homeowners Association. The Department monitors and maintains the system.
The second project was the installation of an 8,000-gallon tank and two hydrants in the town of
Navarro. The District owns the system and has an easement to secure the property rights. The
upper hydrant on Wendling Soda Creek Road flows 150 GPM and the lower hydrant located at the
Navarro Store flows 200 GPM.
The Department also has access to 10,000-gallons of water supplied through a secure hydrant at
Floodgate. The hydrant flows approximately 100 GPM and is privately owned. We have no rights to
this system and use it completely at the owner’s (Butch Paula) discretion.
There is a 10,000 gallon concrete tank with a gravity flow hydrant located adjacent to our Rancho
Navarro station.
There is a 15,000 gallon wooden tank with a Fire Department Connection (FDC) located at the MRC
shop approximately ½ mile easterly from the entrance to Rancho Navarro on the Masonite Rd.
There is a pond on Appian Way in Rancho Navarro approximately one mile south of the Rancho
Navarro Station that requires a portable pump to access.
Future Water Supply Needs Navarro and Rancho Navarro:
Rancho Navarro is our most significant structure exposure in the Navarro area and should have
additional water sources developed. Ideally one would be located near the Masonite Road entrance
and one near the Flynn Creek Road entrance. .
Personnel Navarro and Rancho Navarro:
At this time only one EMT/Engineer is responding to the Navarro Station. This station depends on
additional staffing being provided from the Rancho Navarro area. Given the available apparatus for
this station this is not a major problem but a few additional FF/Engineers would be advisable.
There are currently six personnel responding from the Navarro Station. The Captain and Lieutenant’s
positions are both staffed. The additional personnel include an engineer, two Firefighters and one
EMT who is not FF qualified. The Fire Capt. is also EMT qualified. Of the Navarro responders three
are qualified for interior/wildland attack.
Future Personnel needs;
19
The Navarro Station should be staffed with a recommended maximum of eight personnel at least four
of whom should be interior/wildland qualified, a minimum of three should be EMTs and four should be
engineer qualified. Two of the current six responders are approaching retirement, therefore three to
five new recruits should be located in the immediate future.
YORKVILLE:
Apparatus:
7484 a 2010 IHC interface engine in excellent condition
7464 2014 F-450 AWD in new condition.
NOTE: 7464 was donated by the Yorkville Community Benefit Association and is subject to a use
agreement with them.
Future Apparatus Needs:
No apparatus replacement is required in Yorkville within the life of this plan.
Facilities:
Structures;
The Yorkville Station is a 24 year old, two bay station owned by the Yorkville Community Benefit
Association (YCBA) and located on property leased from the Hulbert family. The lease has 26 years
to run but is contingent upon the continued presence of the Yorkville Post Office on the property.
Should the Post Office for any reason either close or relocate, the lease would expire immediately
and the property and building would revert to the Hulberts. At this time it does not appear that there
is any danger of losing the Post Office during the planning period of this document and the current
owner of the property would probably permit continued use of the building even if the Post Office
were to close. The Department also has use of a 750 square foot community center for training and
meetings located in the same building.
Future Structure Needs:
The current Yorkville Station will meet the needs for housing apparatus for the duration of this plan
with the following exceptions: modify the doors which are too small in width and somewhat restrictive
in height and/or add an additional bay if required for future apparatus.
Water Supplies
Several private water sources have been developed for Department use. A roadside hydrant at MM
38.10 (the old Yorkville Ranch House, 10,000 gallons gravity feed flooded dry hydrant), a roadside
hydrant at MM 43.00 (Summer Wind Vineyard, 3,000 gallons), a large pond with gravity feed to a top
load only fitting at MM 43.67 (the Vidmar Ranch) at a rate of approximately 100 GPM, a dry hydrant
tapping a pond at MM 48.65 (the Mt. House Winery), a well-serviced hydrant on the Yorkville Cellars
property across from the Yorkville station, a gravity fed roadside hydrant at MM 34.6 on the old
Ragland Ranch with 10,000 gallons flowing at over 400 GPM, a flooded dry hydrant located on
20
Sharon Meadow Lane supplied by two 3,000 gallon tanks. There are also several ponds located in
the Yorkville area.
Future Water Supply Needs:
It would be desirable to develop a hydrant and water supply to provide water to the downtown
Yorkville area. Local property owner, Carin Bokoff, has indicated she would be willing to allow a
system to be located on her property which adjoins the Marcott property on the South side of Highway 128 near Whitehall Creek.
Personnel:
The Yorkville Station currently has a total of seven personnel including the East Battalion Chief and
Fire Captain positions. The Lieutenants position is currently unstaffed. There are five firefighters. All
personnel are interior/wildland qualified, five are EMTs and five are engineer qualified. The Fire Chief
also resides in Yorkville and is available for response with a patrol/command unit when he is home.
Future Personnel Needs:
The Yorkville Station should be staffed with a recommended maximum of eight personnel, not
counting the Fire Chief.
A minimum of six personnel should be interior/wildland qualified, three
should be EMTs and a minimum of four should be engineer qualified.
FISH ROCK
Apparatus:
7435 a heavy rescue/type III wildland engine (1981 Ford with a Beck Build up in good condition).
7485 a type II structure engine (1966 IHC in good condition). 7485 is equipped to operate as an
interface engine with a full complement of both structure and wildland equipment and hose.
7495 a 2,000 gallon water tender (1995 Ford L8000 in fair condition)
NOTE: All Fish Rock Apparatus are privately owned and made available to the District under various
agreements.
Future Apparatus Needs:
No replacement of Fish Rock apparatus is anticipated within the life of this plan.
Facilities:
The Fish Rock Station is located on the Mailliard Ranch and consists of three buildings owned by the
Ranch. We have no formal agreement to occupy and operate entirely at their discretion. Local
landowners privately own all apparatus quartered there. This station was established in the early 90’s
at the request of the Mailliards and the Barrs, who own property in the area. Some of the equipment
on the trucks is also privately owned. Although the apparatus is privately owned, it is insured by the
District and maintenance costs are shared.
21
Future Facility Needs:
Structures;
Fish Rock Station has adequate structure facilities for the life of this plan.
Water;
A hydrant system is located on the Mailliard Ranch with several hydrants located near principal
buildings in the Ornbaun Valley. These hydrants are available to provide water for re-supplying
apparatus operating anywhere in the area.
Future Water Needs:
The Fish Rock area is very sparsely populated with no concentration of structures outside of the
Mailliard Ranch headquarters in the Ornbaun Valley. No additional water projects are planned in the
area beyond encouraging local property owners to develop private systems for protecting their
structures.
Personnel:
The Fish Rock Station is currently staffed with three personnel, which includes a Lieutenant’s
position. All personnel are interior/wildland qualified. One of the firefighters is an EMT II and two are
engineer qualified.
Future Personnel Needs:
The Fish Rock Station should be staffed with a recommended maximum of six personnel including
the Captain’s and Lieutenant’s positions. A minimum of four personnel should be interior/wildland
qualified, a minimum of two EMT’s and four engineer qualified.
The staffing for the Fish Rock Station has declined in recent years and the prospect for additional
new recruits there is quite limited. It is anticipated that there will be a staffing crisis there within the
life of this plan. Any opportunities for new recruits there should be aggressively pursued.
SIGNAL RIDGE:
Apparatus:
7476 a type III wildland engine (1977 FED-X IHC USFS engine in fair condition).
Future Apparatus Needs:
7476 may need to be replaced within the life of this plan. Due to the need to regularly ascend and
descend the Philo Greenwood Road, the use of a light but powerful “Quick Attack” patrol style engine
is preferred. In order to extend the ISO 8 rating to the Signal Ridge area, it would be necessary to
provide a type I or Type II structure engine in this area. It may be possible to move the current 7481
to Signal Ridge when it is replaced in Boonville. This would also require a new structure to be
obtained or built to house it.
Facilities:
22
Structures;
The Signal Ridge Station is located on the Philo-Greenwood Road just past Signal Ridge Road. The
Station is a one bay garage in poor condition and privately owned by the Fashauer’s with no written
agreement.
Future Signal Ridge Structure Needs
The Signal Ridge station is not insulated or heated and replacement with a two bay insulated metal
building should be considered.
Water:
A private hydrant system which is available to the Fire Department has been installed on the Sky
Ranch subdivision approximately one half mile from Signal Ridge Rd. on the Giuliani property,
consisting of a 3000 gallon tank and a 1 ½ inch hydrant on Panorama Rd. that flows approximately
140 GPM.
A hydrant system has been installed adjacent to the Signal Ridge station on the Bird property.
Future Signal Ridge Water Needs:
No further specific water projects have been identified in this area beyond encouraging property
owners to develop water supplies for fire protection.
Personnel:
The Signal Ridge Station is currently staffed with three personnel including one engineer and two
engineer/firefighter.
Future Personnel Needs:
The Signal Ridge Station should be staffed with a maximum of six personnel. Personnel should
include four interior/wildland qualified firefighters and two EMTs. Three should be qualified as
engineer.
HOLMES RANCH:
Apparatus:
7487 is a Type II structure engine in good condition equipped for both wildland and structure fires as
well as traffic collisions and medical calls.
7497 is a 1993 Freightliner 2,400 gallon water tender in good condition.
Future Apparatus Needs:
7487 may need to be replaced within the life of this plan. If that becomes necessary the replacement
engine should be a Type I or II interface engine equipped for all risk response.
23
Facilities;
Structures
The Holmes Ranch station was newly constructed in 2013 and is a two bay insulated metal building.
Water Supplies
We have developed four hydrant systems on the Holmes Ranch. The first is located near Highway
128 on Holmes Ranch Rd. on the Handley Cellars property. The hydrant is a flooded dry hydrant
supplied from a pond. The second hydrant is on the upper portion of Holmes Ranch Rd. between
Chipmunk Ln. and Kramer Ln. It is supplied from a 2500-gallon tank on the Esterlina property. The
third system is on the Miniclier property on Guntly Road with a 5,000 gallon tank supplying the
hydrant with approximately 200 GPM. All systems are utilized by formal agreement between the
Holmes Ranch Road Association and the property owners.
We have a installed a hydrant on the Ruffler property on Nash Mill Road which is supplied from a
16,000 gallon tank and delivers approximately 100+ GPM.
A private overhead standpipe is available on Big Meadow Road on the Aladdin property with a 10,000
gallon tank delivering water at approximately 150 GPM.
Up to 6,000 gallons of water are available at the new Holmes Ranch Station plumbed to a hydrant
next to the station.
Future Facility Needs:
Structures:
The newly constructed station will meet the needs of the District in this area for the life of this plan
and beyond.
Water Supplies:
No new water systems are planned in this area at this time.
Personnel:
The Holmes Ranch Station is currently staffed with a total of four personnel including the West
Battalion Chief, the station Captain and Lieutenant. The station Captain, Lieutenant, and FF are
interior/wildland qualified and all personnel are Engineer qualified, and one is an EMT.
Future Personnel needs;
The Holmes Ranch Station should be staffed with a recommended maximum of eight personnel. The
Western Zone is authorized for a Battalion Chief’s position that could be staffed from Holmes Ranch
24
personnel. Personnel should include four interior/wildland qualified, three EMTs and a minimum of
three qualified as engineer.
FUTURE EXPANSION CONSIDERATIONS:
MOUNTAIN HOUSE AREA
The Mountain House area is currently underserved. Mountain House Road is over eight miles from
Yorkville Station with a very significant grade between them. The District boundary at the Sonoma
County line is an additional two + miles away. This exceeds the maximum response distance of five
miles from a Station set by ISO. A typical response time would be in the neighborhood of 20+
minutes. The Mountain House Road area has experienced significant growth in the last twenty years
with four subdivisions and four commercial properties being developed during that time.
We
currently have auto aid agreements with Cloverdale Fire Department, Hopland Fire Department and
Cal Fire to assist with covering this area but responses can sometimes be delayed.
In order to adequately serve the Mountain House area we would need to develop a satellite Station
there staffed with four to six volunteers and a patrol or light engine. This would also require the
donation of property and/or a structure to house apparatus. At this time we have no prospective
recruits in the area. The ISO 8 rating currently extends to approximately mile marker 45 near the old
Johnson ranch. Extending this rating to the east end of the District at the County line would require a
new station and structure engine being located near the intersection of Hwy 128 and Mountain House
Road. The cost vs. benefit to expand into this area implies that no immediate future expansion of
facilities are necessary at this time.
HIGHWAY 253:
The District boundary line crosses Highway 253 near the seven-mile marker at the crest of the grade.
The line then continues in a Northerly direction for an additional two+ miles to approximately the ninemile marker (the Omni Road). For this two-mile stretch, the District boundary remains west of the
road approximately one-quarter mile. We respond to the 8.5 mile marker by unwritten agreement.
There are very few residences in this area and we most frequently respond to traffic collisions here.
The Boonville Station covers this area and is a maximum of approximately ten miles from the most
distant point of our District. Additionally, the road is quite steep for a considerable portion of this
distance, which further slows responding apparatus.
Do to the fact that there are very few residences beyond the one mile marker it would be unlikely we
would want to expand into this area during the life of this plan. Even if we desired to expand there,
the extremely small population would make recruiting the required four to six volunteers almost
impossible.
UPPER NASH MILL RD:
It has been suggested that we need to expand into this area. However, a review of call volume and
response times indicate it is unnecessary at this time. Our new Stations in Philo and on the Holmes
Ranch can provide adequate coverage to most of this area. The exception is Clow Ridge Rd. /Clow
Mountain area beyond the first locked gate (approximately two miles in from Nash Mill Rd). The area
from there to Clow Mountain is sparsely populated with few structures and low call volume.
ANNEXATION:
25
As mentioned in the revenue section under “Contract Services” LAFCO’s permission to provide
Contract Services to some properties adjoining the District came with the presumption that we would
eventually annex these properties although no timeframe was indicated. Currently, annexation is an
expensive process with no guaranty of success given the requirement for a majority vote of all
affected property owners. Currently we do not have enough parcels under contract to warrant the risk
involved in pursuing this possibility. It is recommended that we defer this course of action until a
majority of parcels in the entire potential annexation area have indicated their desire to be included in
the District. Having recently completed our Service Review with LAFCO with no mandate to pursue
annexation, it would appear they will not force the issue during the life of this plan.
Review of Department Communications Equipment
The Department is currently licensed to transmit on several frequencies from five fixed sites (our
stations in Boonville, Philo and Yorkville and our repeater facilities located on Sanel Mountain and the
ridge top above the Holmes Ranch). The frequencies are detailed in our FCC License and cover the
required frequencies for us to transmit and receive on the County Fire Dispatch channel (Red and
Blue) and our own tactical channel (Tac A).
With the recent requirement to narrowband our equipment, we have found that there has been a
significant reduction is signal strength, particularly in the Yorkville and Navarro areas. After relocating
the County Fire Red antenna on the Sanel tower we have partially mitigated the worst problem in the
Yorkville area. We are currently in the process of further testing to determine if the remaining
transmission problems warrant additional corrective action.
If the FCC follows through with its stated intention of requiring all analog equipment to be converted
to digital, a greater problem can be expected that will almost certainly require new repeater sites to be
developed.
We operate several types of communications equipment:
Base Station Radios: We have base station radios in Boonville and Yorkville.
Mobile Radios: We have mobile radios in all department vehicles (23). We are currently utilizing a
combination of Bendix King and Kenwood mobile radios.
Portable Radios:
We have converted all of our old pagers to pager radios so that every member
has a personal radio capable of transmitting and receiving on all necessary frequencies. In addition
to these units, we also have four Bendix King portable radios available within the Department. We
need to acquire two or three additional King portables to insure they are available for use on Out-ofCounty Strike Team response engines.
Anderson Valley Tactical Mountain Top Repeaters:
Sanel Mountain (Tone 1)
The Sanel Repeater was replaced in 2003 and should not need to be replaced within the life of this
plan. The Sanel Repeater is housed in the County vault and utilizes the County’s power supply. This
advantageous situation exists because the current owner of the County site on Sanel is a District
resident (Bev Burger) who has insisted the County provide us this service at no charge. In the event
26
that the property changes hands (which it might during the life of this plan) we may find we have to
either pay for the vault space and power or move out. I would anticipate that we would opt to pay the
required fee for at least a year or two while we located another site that would meet our needs. In
1997 it cost approximately $23,000 to purchase radio equipment, construct a building, bring in power
and erect an antenna. If we had to replace the Sanel facility today it would probably cost in excess of
$30,000 to replace the facility and move our existing radio equipment into it.
Holmes Ranch Repeater (Tone 3):
Due to the Narrowbanding requirements, we were forced to replace the radio, battery backup,
antenna, cable and duplexer at our facility on the Holmes Ranch in 2011. This equipment should
well exceed the life of this plan.
All Radio equipment is narrow band compliant.
Most of our equipment is not digitally compliant but, at this time, it appears the FCC will not be
instituting a requirement for all radio equipment to be digital in the foreseeable future. It is anticipated
that this requirement will be accomplished by the current FCC policy of requiring all newly
manufactured radio equipment to be digitally capable. When digital compliance is mandated, we may
have to replace most of our portable and mobile radios.
Fire Scope and Cal Fire may also be adding new requirements for various changes and
improvements that could dictate upgraded communications equipment. These improvements may
well cost many tens of thousands of dollars. It would be advisable for the Department to reestablish
the Communications Reserve and begin making significant annual contributions to prepare for these
likely future expenses.
ISO Rating
Some of the components discussed are critical elements of our ISO (Insurance Services Office)
Rating. The ISO Rating is an evaluation tool utilized by most insurance companies to determine the
effectiveness of a Fire Department in fighting structure fires. ISO is an independent rating service
that provides their services to insurance companies for a fee. The AVFD was evaluated in 2004 and
received an improved rating of Dwelling 8 for residential units in approximately 85% of the District. In
subsequent years ISO downgraded our rating in the area west of Greenwood Ridge Road because
we did not have structure engines and permanent stations that would qualify for recognition west of
Philo. The acquisition of 7487, 7489, 7497 and 7499 along with the construction of the New Philo,
Holmes Ranch and Rancho Navarro stations should rectify this situation. It is recommended that a
new ISO inspection be requested in the near future which should result in the extension of the ISO 8
rating to the west end of the District.
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS
The Department operates under five formal mutual aid agreements:
1. The California Fire Assistance Agreement;
This agreement is with all the forest agencies such as Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service. It
provides for compensation to local government agencies such as ours when we respond on
Out-of-County campaign fires within the state. The rates for compensation are established
27
2.
3.
4.
5.
annually and the Department is paid for both apparatus and personnel for requested
responses exceeding 12 hours.
The Cal Fire/MEU and Anderson Valley CSD Fire Department Local Government Agreement.
This agreement covers In-County responses requested by Cal Fire. This agreement is similar
to the California Fire Assistance Agreement with some significant differences. Under it we are
paid by Cal Fire for responses on Wildland Fires within Mendocino County with a commitment
time exceeding four hours.
Automatic Mutual Aid Agreement with Hopland Fire Department.
This agreement provides for unpaid auto aid from Hopland Fire Department on all calls on
Mountain House Road.
Automatic Mutual Aid Agreement with Cloverdale Fire Department.
This agreement provides for unpaid auto aid from Cloverdale Fire Department on High Way
128 from the County Line to Mountain House Road.
We also have an Auto Aid agreement with Cal Fire that calls for one or more Cal Fire Engines
to respond on all calls within our jurisdiction from Boonville, Hopland or Cloverdale Cal Fire
Stations (whichever is closest). Cal Fire is not compensated under this agreement.
CURRENT PAID SERVICES AND PERSONNEL
Currently the Department employs a full-time paid Fire Chief’s position, a part-time paid business
manager, and a part-time paid secretarial position. Additionally, we employ a part-time mechanic and
a contract cleaning service.
ANTICIPATED FUTURE PERSONNEL NEEDS
The Department may find that it is desirable to employ additional paid personnel within the life of this
plan. Potential new paid positions could include:
Prevention Officer
Training Officer
Operations Chief
Maintenance Officer
Employing additional paid Fire staff positions may require a redefinition of the Fire Chief’s position.
PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
The Department performs several types of prevention activities.
Code Inspection in State Fire Marshal mandated occupancies, principally public assembly locations
such as the Grange, the Fairgrounds, the Hotel, etc. We are also required to inspect the public
schools and a few other structures.
In addition to the required inspections, we also perform some inspections to public and private
properties who request it with the goal of improving fire safety and prevention in occupancies where
we have no enforcement authority.
In cooperation with CDF and the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, we are working with several
wildland/urban interface communities within our District and elsewhere in Mendocino County to
improve survivability of homes and businesses threatened by wildland fires.
28
Additionally, we provide public education on fire safety through various types of public presentations
and on-site consultation with local property owners when requested.
As noted above, we have also established several hydrant systems within the District to ensure water
is available for fire protection.
REVIEW OF GOALS ESTABLISHED IN 2005 LONG RANGE PLAN
The following items were established as goals in the 2005 Long Range Plan.
Refit and modify 7490.
Replace 7482.
Build New Philo Station.
Replace 7493.
Replace 7484
Build Sta. on Rancho Navarro.
Replace 7400.
Build Sta. on Holmes Ranch.
Develop Sta. at Mt. House.
Upgrade Radios.
Repainted, tank refurbished, additional cabinets and
discharges added.
Not done.
Constructed in 2006.
Replaced and reassigned to Sta. 749
Replaced with new Type II.
Done.
Replaced with used F250.
Done.
Not done.
All radio equipment upgraded to meet Narrow Band
requirements.
Additional apparatus replaced since 2005.
Rescue 7431
7477
Replaced with new custom built engine.
Replaced with used Type II engine
INCIDENT TOTALS BY YEAR AND TYPE
29
1998 – 2013
YEAR MA
TC
SF
WLF
VEH
F
OF
2013
104
45
3
15
3
3
4
10
2012
103
43
4
6
3
7
5
2011
128
46
7
14
1
7
2010
125
62
4
2
3
2009
133
71
4
11
2008
113
60
2
2007
109
85
2006
118
2005
SCQ HC/HM PA
AA
FA
MUT S&R TOTALS
5
4
7
0
1
204
18
3
5
15
-
1
213
3
15
9
8
8
-
1
247
2
4
19
2
4
9
-
-
236
3
7
8
18
8
4
7
2
-
276
10
3
11
5
7
2
5
1
-
223
7
13
4
11
8
13
8
5
4
1
6
2
-
281
64
1
14
2
7
9
13
9
2
8
3
-
250
114
75
6
20
8
8
16
20
18
3
-
6
-
294
2004
116
71
6
16
3
8
7
10
10
9
17
3
-
276
2003
130
69
11
23
10
6
15
20
16
7
16
-
-
323
2002
89
99
2
13
5
8
16
23
18
18
9
-
-
300
2001
100
69
9
24
6
2
12
13
4
25
6
-
-
270
2000
118
87
3
21
8
8
17
7
11
23
-
-
-
303
1999
129
60
3
17
7
6
13
-
13
13
7
-
-
268
Statistics s for 1996, 1997 and 1998 show total calls only: 1996 - 232; 1997 - 232; 1998 - 301
MA = MED AID
TC = TRAFFIC COLLISION
SF = STRUCTURE FIRE
WLF = WILDLAND FIRE
VEHICL
FIRE OF = OTHER FIRE SC = SMOKE CHECK
HC/HM = HAZARDOUS CONDITIONSHAZ MAT
PUBLIC ASSIST
AA= AGENCY ASSIST FA = FALSE ALARM MUT = MUTUAL AID
30
VH =
PA =