By Chief Ben Palm
A look back at 2016 shows us that fuels abatement, well trained firefighters and community cooperation is an ongoing process. Our department has changed and grown with the community; thanks for the encouragement you have shown. All of us at Yarnell Fire District wish you a safe and healthy 2017. As part of our responsibility to protect life and property, we want to remind you that structure fires are common this time of year. Please be careful with space heaters and overuse of extension cords. Also, wildfires can still happen though it’s winter. Please trim the grasses and bushes around your home. Yarnell had two brush fires ignite in December 2015 and two brush fires in November 2016.
NEW POSITION:
YFD is expanding personnel opportunities; we identified needs within the department and developed the Support Staff Position. The role of Support Staff is to assist Firefighter personnel and the Chief with various tasks. Responsibilities include general maintenance of facilities per skill level, pumping with appropriate certification, driving Fire Department vehicles with appropriate certification, general office duties checking/washing/maintaining vehicles, cleaning of station and crew quarters; Support Staff will complete and maintain a Support Task Book, and follow all professional guidelines as outlined in this document. Additionally, during Fire/EMS calls, Support Personnel will assist the Captain and EMS/EMTs. Support staff will report to the shift captain, who reports to the Fire Chief. All Support Staff are mandated to read and comply with Standard Operating Guidelines and maintain HIPPA privacy. Yarnell Fire District is a drug free environment and candidates could be subject to drug testing. There are three ways to apply: Print an application from our website, www.yarnellfire.org; visit the Administration Building or email Denise Roggio for an application: d.roggio@yarnellfire.com.
YFD Explorer Cadets enjoyed a party on December 17th. The group is doing great! We are thankful Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association for donating helmets and equipment to our Explorers. Kevin was one of the 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hot Shots, and his parents are the directors of the organization.
Yarnell Fire Training Center has two upcoming classes. The first is for EMT’s: IV, Albuterol, Combi/King Tube and IGel. The class will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 8am; cost is $100. Secondly is an EMT Class, beginning January 10th – March 25th. Cost is $800, which includes CPR and Textbook; clinical sessions are held at Wickenburg Hospital. Contact us at 928-427-6578 for registration information.
Yarnell Memorial Run 2017 is open for registrations! We are seeking sponsors, volunteers and participants. The Run is being managed by the Yarnell Fire Auxiliary. The Auxiliary also invites you to attend Acoustic Eidelon Fundraiser, January 27th, 7pm at the Yarnell Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple in advance, $20 at the door. You can purchase at the Administration Building or from Linda Ma 415-823-3131.
November 2016 Service Calls
Incidents: 19 – Average response time: 5.47 (5 minutes, 28 seconds)
EMS: 7 – Motor Vehicle Accident: 2 – Welfare checks: 1 – Mutual Aid: 0 – Public Assists: 5 – Smoke Checks: 2 – Wildland Fire: 2