Staff Report

April 28, 2006

To: Board of Directors

From: George Haines, Fire Chief

Subject: Monthly Activity Report – March 2006

Operation:

Emergency Incident Responses:

On March 25, 2006, fire crews responded to a reported refuse fire at 1515 Bonifacio Road. Upon arrival at scene firefighters found 2 large trash cans fully involved and 15’ of wood fence burning. Firefighters knocked down the flames within a few minutes and determined that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion in the yard waste trash can.

Other incident responses are listed on the Monthly Response Activity Report.

Apparatus and Equipment:

All district apparatus are in service.

Training:

In March firefighters participated in the following training drills or sessions:

· Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

All personnel drilled on how to deal with emergency medical calls involving burn victims. Firefighters also reviewed the Monterey County EMS Protocols for Burns.

· Vehicle Extrication

All personnel drilled on vehicle extrication techniques at the Carmel Hill fire station. During the drill, firefighters practiced various extrication methods and were able to use several different extrication tools, including the new set of hydraulic rescue tools recently purchased by the district.

· Tool Identification

Firefighters and Engineers participated in tool identification drills at the stations. Fire Captains laid out various tools and appliances on the apparatus floor and firefighters were asked to identify the tool and quizzed on their knowledge of the proper care and use.

· Pre-Plans

Engine companies reviewed pre-plans of several buildings in their initial attack response areas. Pre-Plans are drawings of buildings that show specific facility details that are important to firefighters. For example, it shows where Fire Department Connections (FDC’s), fire hydrants, alarm panels, and life hazards are located.

Prevention

General Information

Fire Prevention and District staff conducted a fire hydrant flow test in order to document the accuracy of various pieces of testing equipment. The annual fire hydrant flow testing is currently suspended while Cal Am concludes repairs to the Forest Lake storage tanks. Staff anticipates the repairs completed by May 1^st. Once testing is allowed by Cal Am, we will proceed with this testing schedule.

The Fire Hydrant Maintenance and Inspection assignments have been handed out to the engine companies. All fire hydrants are inspected annually to ensure that they have sufficient clearance from vegetation, are in proper working order and are correctly color coded to designate the anticipated flow of water. Unlike the annual flow testing, there is no water utilized in this process.

A new Ford F-150 pick up was placed into service replacing a 1995 GMC Sonoma that has been declared surplus. This new vehicle is assigned to Fire Prevention Captain and the Dodge Dakota has been assigned to the Fire Prevention Specialist.

Fire Defense

CDF Unit Forester Jan Bray has continued the assessment of the fire threat in Pescadero Canyon, specifically to the residential area along Sunset Drive. Her report should be forwarded to the Fire Chief prior to the April meeting of the Board of Directors.

Public Education and Training

Fire Captain Jones and FAE Valdez assisted the Cypress and Carmel Highlands Fire Districts as instructors for Citizens Emergency Response Team.

FAE Valdez taught CPR and Communicable Disease refresher classes to Battalion 2 and additional CDF personnel.

Plan Review and Inspections

13 New structure or remodel plans were submitted

12 Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System or Final Building Plans were completed.