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UPCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Minimize

Regular Board Meeting: Thursday, June 14th, 7:00 PM

All meetings are held at 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos, unless otherwise noted. Agendas are posted on our Board of Directors page.

What's New - May 2012 Minimize

Backyard Burn Season Has Ended

Backyard burn season in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties has closed and will reopen December 1, 2012. The burn season restriction does not prohibit agricultural burning, though Agricultural Burn permits are required within the Aptos/La Selva Fire District during this period. Agricultural waste burning refers to open burning in agricultural operations, used in the growing of crops or raising of fowls or animals. It includes materials related to the growing and harvesting of crops which are used in the field. Dried plant or tree trimmings, untreated/ unpainted wood used in the field are allowed. However, burning other materials such as tires, plastic sheets/pipes, construction or demolition debris or treated/painted materials is prohibited. For more information on agricultural burn permits, please contact our Prevention office at 831-685-6690.

Weed Abatement Season Commences

As the weather heats up, so does the need to ensure that your homes and undeveloped parcels are free of excess weeds and dry brush. A number of property owners will receive Weed Abatement notices in early May, for this purpose. It is imperative that you respond to this mailer, stating your preference to either abate the weeds privately (a list of licensed weed abatement contractors is available here), or have the Districts' contractor perform the cutting service. If we do not hear from you by the deadline stated on the forms, our contractor will perform the abatement, and the property owner will be billed accordingly. For questions regarding weed abatement, contact our Prevention office at 831-685-6690.   A list of licensed weed abatement contractors in SC County is available here.

Red Cross Seeks Donations for Victims of Stag Fire in Watsonville

Our District assisted during a major structure fire at the Stag Hotel on Monday, April 30th. While no lives were lost in the blaze, several low-income residents lost their homes and belongings, and many were sent to local hospitals for injuries. As a result, the Red Cross is assisting these displaced residents with temporary shelter, clothing, etc., and hopes the community will come forth to help with donations for this assistance. If you would like to send donations online, by phone or by mail, please visit the Santa Cruz County Red Cross website to learn more. Every little bit helps!

Arson Awareness Week May 6-12

May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week, with this years theme being "Prevent Youth Firesetting". 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.

Safety Tips:
  • Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children.  Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.
  • Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire.
  • Set a good example; use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior.

For more information on Arson Awareness Week and youth firesetter prevention, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw/.

May is National Electrical Safety Month

Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 46,500 home structure fires reported to the U.S. fire departments in 2010, accounting for 13 percent of reported home fires. These fires resulted in 420 deaths, 1,520 injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Home Electrical Fires Report.

NFPA is marking National Electrical Safety Month (May) by reminding the public to be aware of the risks associated with the use of electricity and providing safety tips and information to assist individuals in taking steps to reduce the risk of home electrical fires.

Child Safety Seat Checkup Event

A-Mergency Auto Repair Center is hosting a BBQ combined with a Child Safety Seat Checkup Event, in partnership with Safe Kids Chapter of Santa Cruz County. The event will be held on Friday, May 11th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, at 1025 Water Street, Santa Cruz. Infant car seats or booster seats can be inspected, by appointment, at this event. To make your appointment for this event, please call 454-5477.

Changes to 2010 Legislation Minimize
As of July 1st 2011 the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 goes into effect. The act requires that all single-family dwellings have a California State Fire Marshal approved carbon monoxide detector installed. In addition, all other dwelling units will be required to do so on or before January 1st of 2013. More information is available in the document listed below.
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NOTICE: Legislative Changes27.26Download

Tsunami Effects at Seacliff State Beach Minimize

A large majority of the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach was exposed during the low tides of the tsunami that occured after the large-scale disaster in Japan on March 11th.  Santa Cruz Harbor sustained a good deal of damage during the event, and many boats and live-in boat homes were irreperably damaged.

A/LSFD In Action - Vehicle Fire 9/2010 Minimize

Fire Captain Scott Cullen uses a rescue saw to gain access during a late-evening vehicle fire, in September 2010.  No persons were harmed in the incident.

 Photo taken by FF S. Brosig

Kidde Smoke Detector Recall Minimize
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Walter Kiddee Portable Equipment Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of approx. 94,000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms (Model PI2000). In some instances, an electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, thus resulting in failure to alert consumers of a fire. For more information, click the PDF recall notice below, or contact Building Materials Listing Program Coordinator Francis Mateo at francis.mateo@ca.fire.gov, or call (916) 445-8396.
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Recall Notice Aug 200973.51Download

Living With Fire - PDF Minimize

 

40 Years of Firefighting Minimize

You've come a long way, Ray!  A/LSFD congratulates FF Ray Welch for 40 years of service to the District.

Firefighter of the Year Minimize

 

Congratulations to FF Mark Zwagerman, for being chosen to be 2011's Firefighter of the Year!

Board of Directors Minimize

 

Click the graphic above for information on current A/LSFD Board of Directors Agendas, Minutes, and other helpful information.

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