The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for North Bay Mountains and East Bay Hills, in effect from 9 PM Saturday, Sept 26 to 8 AM Monday, Sept 28. Breezy/gusty offshore winds will combine with critically dry conditions resulting in critical fire weather conditions.

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution during the Red Flag Warning because a simple spark could cause a major wildfire, including the use of equipment and machinery as well as smoking.

3 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare:

Join Senator Mike McGuire, Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber, and Southern Marin Fire Protection District Chief Chris Tubbs on September 30, 2020 at 6:30 pm for a critical community meeting on our climate and the growing size and scope of California’s wildfires.

When: September 30, 2020 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Southern Marin Climate & Fire Preparedness Town Hall

This month, learn how to organize your local community for fire preparedness! For this free webinar, you'll be joined by John Hansen, FIRESafe Marin Firewise Liaison, and Belle Cole, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority's Ecologically Sound Practices Steering Committee member. Topics will include Marin's participation in Firewise USA and a Marin partnership to maintain landscapes that are both fire-smart and ecologically sound.

When: September 29, 2020 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: Community Organizing for Fire Preparedness

Program Gives 10,500 Income Qualified Customers Enrolled in Medical Baseline Access to Portable Batteries for Use During PSPS Events 

As fire season is upon us and the uncertainty of the pandemic continues to unfold, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is launching a program to further enhance safety when the power goes out for customers that depend on life saving medical equipment. 

The program is available before, during, and after Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events when PG&E needs to turn off power during severe weather for public safety to prevent wildfires. 

PG&E’s Portable Battery Program (PBP) provides no-cost backup portable batteries for eligible income-qualified customers who live in high fire-threat districts (HFTD) and are enrolled in the Medical Baseline program. Additional eligibility requirements include a reliance on medical equipment that operates on electricity to sustain life. Working in coordination with Community Based Organizations (CBOs), PG&E has identified approximately 10,500 customers who could qualify for this program. 

New This Year - Detailed PSPS Notifications to Customers with New Watch and Warning Notifications

As Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) continues to improve vital safety communications for customers that will be used before turning off power to prevent wildfires during severe weather, the company has enhanced its notifications to provide more detail about when power is expected to go out, when it may be restored and where customers can go to find additional information. 

Fire Weather Watch vs Red Flag Warning -- what's the difference?

A Fire Weather Watch is issued several days before an event that may produce critical fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for this weekend, 9/26-9/28. After days of cool and near average temperatures during the work week, the forecast is indicating a sharp increase in temperature this weekend. As high pressure builds over Northern CA and Oregon, the Bay area and Central Coast will begin to see a warmer and drier air mass filtering into the region. For those visiting the ocean this weekend, a larger northwest swell arrives early Friday morning. This swell will provide higher wave heights and an increase in risk of rip currents. Offshore wind will become a concern into the weekend as they become breezier and more widespread. Some of the upper altitudes and highest peaks of the area could see above 35 mph gusts. Those increasing offshore winds, coupled with warming temperatures and low humidity, lead to fire weather concerns. In the extended forecast, above normal temperatures will continue into the next work week.

For more information on community safety, visit: Safety Education Website . During this heat wave, residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects for heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to stay cool and safe:

STAY COOL

• Do not leave children and pets unattended in vehicles

FINANCE ASSISTANT

Under general direction, serves as the Finance Assistant to the Finance Manager

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Biweekly accounts payable and filing

⚠️Spare The Air Alert is in effect until Wednesday, 16th due to the smoke particles in the air which will continue to cause unhealthy air quality conditions. Please take these precautions throughout the next few days:

1) Stay inside with your windows shut.

2) Limit outdoor activity but if you leave, wear a mask.

3) Be prepared for an evacuation by preparing your emergency kit.

In the old days, firefighters' coping methods after a heartbreaking or difficult call were gallows humor, denial and alcohol. The overwhelming evidence is clear: Those strategies don't work for everyone.  

Firefighters feel most comfortable talking with their peers -- individuals who share their experiences. That makes the firehouse the perfect place to engage in injury prevention. 

If someone opens up at the kitchen table about a bad call or a difficult experience, don't shout them down. Help them down. And don't be afraid to relate your own experiences and concerns.

Knowing that they're not alone can be the best thing for a brother or sister at risk. 

If someone you know is in crisis, it's important to know how they can find help. Resources are available, either through your department or through resources geared toward the needs of front line firefighters:

• Peer support

• Suicide intervention

• Employee Assistance Programs

Ominous orange skies are looming over Southern Marin. SMFD is here to remind you that due to the heavy smoke and falling ash from several of the California fires, please take note of these safety reminders:

-Stay indoors to avoid breathing the air.

-Wear a mask if you leave your home.

-Drive with your headlights on, slow down, and avoid distractions.

The COVID-19 outbreak has introduced a new and unsettling anxiety to an already stressful and demanding job. Here are some good steps to maintain good mental health:

-Get enough sleep (recommend meditation and sleeping apps)

-Participate in regular physical activity 

-Eat healthy 

If one of your fellow firefighters went down in the middle of an active fire, you'd go in to get them out, right? So why not help get them out of an emotional injury?

It starts with awareness. If you see the warning signs of a fellow firefighter  in distress, letting it go shouldn't be an option.

-Be direct: Be proactive and approach someone when you've seen them exhibiting some of the warning signs or appear to be in crisis.

-Listen: Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment, if it appears they are in crisis, do not leave them alone.

Since firefighters spend long shifts together -- either on the lines or in the station -- they have a special view when one of their brothers or sisters is having trouble. Here are some common signs and symptoms of someone who may be struggling:

-Changes in eating habits such as overeating or a loss of appetite

-Overly worried, even about smaller thing

-Inability to concentrate, memory recall issues, or the inability to think clearly

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and it is critical, now more than ever, to bring awareness that Southern Marin Fire District is participating along side fellow California fire stations in the Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention and Awareness Safety Stand Down. During the week of September 7th through September 11th fire agencies across the state will be setting aside time to conduct exercises and initiate the conversation on mental wellness. 

A firefighter you know could be suffering in silence and your participation in the Suicide Awareness Safety Stand Down could save a life.  It’s time we break the stigma, together. 

Southern Marin Fire District will be sharing a 5-part series from September 7th through 11th in hope to bring suicide awareness to focus. Internally, SMFD will discuss the impact of the job, how to give and get help, and where to go for resources. Together we can help end the stigma that our brothers and sisters are not alone.

Here are a few different key topics that will be discussed:

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Labor Day Weekend as temperatures for interior locations will be in the upper 90s and into the 100s. This heat advisory is set for this weekend, Saturday 8:00am through Sunday 9:00pm. High pressure builds over the Bay Area and Central Coast through the week, making it hot and dry, increasing the risk for wildfires.

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Ensure that all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds and pine needles are removed within 30 feet of all structures or to the property line.
• Practice safe grilling techniques and place the grill well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Limit outdoor strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day.
• Don't not leave kids or pets in vehicles.
• Stay in air conditioned areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Extra care for seniors, pets, vegetation, and livestock.
• When at the coast beware of rip currents.

For more information on community safety, visit: Safety Education Website

Have questions about fire evacuation? As we all know our fire season is off to a start. Our primary concern for citizens of Southern Marin is how to prepare you if ordered to evacuate. This video will be beneficial in helping you and your family stay safe during a wildfire evacuation.

The FireSafe webinar series is created by the members of the educational committee including representatives of the fire agencies, environmental groups, UC Marin Master Gardeners, and various subject matter experts. This project is funded by the new Marin WildFire Prevention Authority. Designed to help you understand and prepare for the threat of a wild fire here in Marin. When we all do our part, we can help minimize risk and save lives as well as property.

This webinar of “Evacuation & Warnings – How To Survive a Wildfire“ will cover the following:

• Community Organizing for Fire Preparedness
• How Wildfires Burn
• Home Hardening
• Open Space Vegetation Management
• Zone Zero - critical first 5ft around your home
• Fire Smart Landscaping
• Creating Defensible Space; Zones 1,2,and 3
• Environmental Best Practices
• Fire Insurance: Are You Covered?

For more information about how you can prepare, please visit southernmarinfire.org or cityofmillvalley.org/fire

Alerts and warnings – what you need to know.

Amergency Alerts Video: CLICK HERE

Notifications during an emergency are essential to a successful evacuation.  We use a number of tools to communicate with residents during an emergency.  In this article we are discussing  Alert Marin and Nixle.  

Alert Marin notifications are sent to your phone(s) or email only when action needs to be taken at a specific address (unlike Nixle safety alerts). Keep reading to learn about the differences between Alert Marin & Nixle.

Fire Season

Fire Season – Well underway!

The Mill Valley Fire Department and the Southern Marin Fire Protection District are actively assisting other communities throughout California, while still remaining vigilant on the home front with 100% of our stations staffed.  We currently have engines and staff committed to:

• Santa Clara Lightning Complex
• Woodward Fire – Marin Coast
• Butte Lightning Complex

As we navigate an increase in number and duration of Red Flag Warnings, we have added equipment and staffing commensurate with the risks to protect our community first.  We have also prioritized helping our neighbors, because we understand that help will come back to our community when we are in need. 

Navigating a fire season means that we do it together.  Your fire department working hand in hand with neighborhoods to prepare for the worst-case scenario.  This link provides excellent information regarding evacuation from your home/neighborhood, locations of your community refuge areas and assistance with a communications plan.  Remember, if you move slower these days due to injury or advanced age, it is ok to pre evacuate until Red Flag (high fire danger) weather resolved. 

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for North Bay Mountains and other parts of the Bay Area, in effect from 5 AM Sunday, Aug 23 to 5 PM Monday, Aug 24. Dry lightning and gusty winds are expected. REMEMBER: a simple spark could cause a major wildfire DETAILS: https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-releases/press-releases/2020/fire-redflag-082220

Despite the fire activity across California your fire stations remain fully staffed. We remain  prepared to respond to all calls for service throughout Southern Marin.

The fires burning in the North Bay will cause poor air quality for the foreseeable future. A “SPARE THE AIR ALERT” has been issued with an air quality advisory through Thursday. 

Let the smoke in the air serve as a reminder for residents to:

• Clean your gutters and sweep your decks.
• Clean up dry vegetation against your home.
• Check on your neighbors to ensure that everybody can evacuation.
• Be prepared for an evacuation warning or order, sign up at AlertMarin.org.

To help with evacuation planning, please click here for the City of Mill Valley. Know your way out.

During smoky conditions we ask that you, please do not call 911 unless you see fire.

For more information please call 415-389-4130.

For Immediate Release

August 15, 2020

At the Jul 22, 2020 Southern Marin Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting, Fire Marshal Fred Hilliard, and Todd Lando of XMR Consulting, presented the final Southern Marin Fire Protection District WUI Wildfire Hazard & Risk Assessment

.  

Funded by a CAL FIRE Forestry Grant for Planning, Consultant Todd Lando was hired by the Southern Marin Fire Protection District to conduct a comprehensive hazard and risk analysis encompassing the District and City of Sausalito, which will be used to assist the District in determining how to best allocate fiscal resources as it seeks to reduce risks from the wildfire threat, especially in the WUI areas.  

This assessment looks at current conditions and predicted trends and recommends sound long-term strategies for reducing structural ignitability, managing and reducing vegetation fuel loads on public lands and private property, and improving wildfire response and suppression capabilities within the boundaries of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District.

Today, April 27, 2020, Novato Fire Chief and Marin County Fire Chief's Association President Bill Tyler released the following statement on behalf of all Marin County Fire Chiefs.  The Press Release is linked here: For Immediate Release COVID.pdf.

The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority will be holding its first Operations Committee Meeting this Thursday (April 30, 2020, at 3:00 PM.  Per Executive Order N-29-20 issued by Governor Newsom, this meeting will be a virtual meeting.  The agenda is available via the link below, and incldues details for either calling in by phone, our by videoconferencing.

Ops Meeting Agenda April 30th.FINAL-signed.pdf

PG&E has notified the Southern Marin Fire Protection District that they will be conducting helicopter patrols of gas pipelines in the county starting Mon April 27 through April 30 over parts of Wolfback Ridge & San Rafael.  These flights will be coming & going from airports in Hayward, Napa, and Sonoma.  

PG&E issued a press release today in an effort to make the public aware of the flights: https://www.pgecurrents.com/2020/04/24/marin-county-pge-to-conduct-helicopter-patrols-to-ensure-gas-system-safety-safe-digging/

Southern Marin Fire Protection District in partnership with Marin County Fire, Marinview, and Tamalpais Community Service District is preparing to burn 60 debris piles around Marinview. The projected start date is scheduled for April 27th and the work will continue until April 29th. For more information please see the attached document titled Controlled Burn SMFD 2020.

CONTROLLED BURN SMFD 2020.pdf

Vegetation management work, like clearing brush and trimming up trees around you home, is considered essential work and is allowed under the Public Health Order.

You may do this work yourself, or you may hire contractors such as gardeners to conduct this critical fire safety work. All individuals conducting vegetation maintenance work should follow CDC guidelines for sanitation and social distancing.

The Marin County Public Health Order states:

"For the purposes of this Order, 'Essential Businesses' are: Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals, but only to the limited extent necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic or other purposes (such as upkeep)" 

This Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) provides a scientifically based assessment of wildfire threat in the wildland urban interface (WUI) of Marin County, California. This CWPP was developed through a collaborative process involving Marin County fire agencies, county officials, county, state,

and federal land management agencies, and community members.  It was orignally adopted in 2016 and each year goals and objectives are update.

The Southern Marin Fire District's 2019 accomplishments for the five goals listed in the adotped CWPP are as follows:

PG&E has announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff in the Bay Area beginning tomorrow.  As of 1:30 PM today, Marin County is not scheduled to be affected by a power shutoff at this time.  To find if a specific address that may be impacted go to:

https://pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/public-safety-event.page

The Power Shutoff is projected to start Wednesday November 20th at 5pm.  PG&E expects to receive the all clear and start line inspections on Thursday November 21st at 0800AM. It could take 24 – 48 hours from the start of inspections for everyone to have power restored. 

Please sign up for PG&E alerts at pge.com/pspszipcodealerts to receive notification when a PSPS has been confirmed for your area.  Make sure to sign up for local alerts at AlertMarin.org.

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2019

Red Flag Warning in Effect for Marin County     

Warning to remain in place until Thursday evening.

Marin County, CA -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains, interior valleys and other parts of the Bay Area, which is in effect from 12 PM Wednesday to 4 PM Thursday. 

At this time, there are no planned PG&E Public Safety Power Shutdowns (PSPS) anticipated in Marin County. 

Vial of life kits available at southern marin fire stations

All three SMFD fire stations are now stocked with Vial of Life decals and forms (it is no longer recommended to use a pill bottle but to use a plastic baggie for the completed form).  These kits are simple to use and free to our community members.  The first thing first responders want to know is your list of medications.  The difference between life and death when you've had a heart attack could be a copy of your previous EKG.  When you can't speak for yourself, when you are confused, in pain or scared, the Vial of Life can speak for you.  Please go to:  www.vialoflife.com to learn more or stop by one of our fire stations to pick up your free decal and form!

Mill Valley, June 28, 2019— Southern Marin Emergency Medical Paramedic System (SMEMPS) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^®EMS Silver Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.                                                                                                 

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.  

      “Southern Marin Emergency Medical Paramedic Systemis dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Fire Chief Chris Tubbs. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care efforts through Mission: Lifeline.” 

For Immediate Release

June 7, 2019

Marin County, CA -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains and other parts of the Bay Area above 1000 feet, which is in effect from 9 PM this evening (Friday) to 5 PM Sunday. 

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected during this time frame with a combination of strong off shore winds with gusts to 40-50 miles per hour and low relative humidity ranging from 12-22% percent.

On June 10, 2019, the Southern Marin Fire District and City of Sausalito will be hosting a presentation / workshop for Sausalito businesses, at City Hall.  The presentation / workshop will begin at 10:00 am and end at noon.                                                                                                                                                  

The intent of the presentation / workshop is to provide businesses with an understanding of the PG&E plan, which will be implemented this year at the beginning of the fire season. The workshop will also provide attendees with an assessment of potential impacts to their business.  The presentation / workshop will conclude with information on how to develop a plan to minimize the impacts of any potential PG&E power shut off activation.

The fires of 2017 and 2018 are the primary drivers of the PG&E state-wide plan that are designed to reduce the possibility of PG&E equipment starting fires.  The plan involves shutting off power to selected neighborhoods and areas. 

This presentation / workshop will also be hosted at the Mill Valley Community Center on June 17, and at Del Mar School on June 24.  Both events begin at 10:00 am and run until noon.

Join us for a FREE 2-hour seminar on wildfire preparedness for Tam Valley residents.

As Marin residents, we all share responsibility to be prepared for wildfires.  Wildfires are a natural part of our environment, and it’s imperative that we build our homes, maintain our landscapes, and prepare our families for the next major fire. 

Learn about Tam Valley’s hazard and risk, and what you can do about it from the wildfire experts at Southern Marin Fire District and FIRESafe MARIN.

• Are you and your family prepared to safely evacuate when a wildfire strikes?
• Is your home vulnerable to igniting from wildfire embers?
• Does your home have adequate Defensible Space?
• Are you interested in working with neighbors and land managers to reduce fire risk in your community?
• Updates on Southern Marin Fire District's WUI ordinances.
• Local evacuation specifics.
• Introduction to planning and hazard assessment which is underway, and opportunity for public input. 

This workshop is intended primarily for residents, homeowners, and regular visitors to Tam Valley, CA.  Registration online at www.firesafemarin.org/events is encouraged, but not required.  

The Southern Marin Fire District has developed a smartphone application and submitted it to the iTunes, Windows and Google Play stores and is now available for download. In the Apple store the application is listed as SMFD and in the Android and Windows stores as Southern Marin Fire District.

Developed internally by Chief Tubbs, the application is designed to address the increasing technology drive to move information and services to mobile devices. The first version of the District’s application provides users with information such as District meetings, station locations, fire prevention and medical information, as well as posting from the District’s social media platforms. The District anticipates adding more features in the future such as multi-language, adding the Districts financial portal (Opengov) and the ability to pay for plan reviews and fire permits directly from your smart phone. 

Burn_Permit_News_Release.pdf

The Marin County Training Officers Present Calm the Chaos! Mastering Fireground Command 2-Day Simulator & Hands-On Workshop

Today’s fireground should be a calm and orchestrated event, but often it is not! The NIOSH top 5 line of duty death operational causes on the fireground surround size up, command, communications, accountability and SOP's.

Participate in simulations and hands-on drills for house fires, garden/center hall apartments, commercial fire incidents and review actual inside-the-command-post incident video and audio to get answers to the following questions...

• How do I set clear tactical objectives, have clear communications and establish command presence on my fires?
• How do I create a personal system that blends all of my classes, certifications, SOP’s, ICS, and tactical fundamentals into a simple, street-smart and effective way?
• What’s the difference between size ups and arrival reports and how do I become better at both?
• What are the trigger points and safety issues of Offensive, Defensive and Combination strategies?
• What are the key points to Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Ventilation and Salvage?
• What is the real difference between RECEO-VS and SLICE-RS?
• How do I really use ICS day-to-day and get beyond "checking the boxes"?
• How do we get SOP’s/SOG’s working in my department?
• When do we call an audible on the SOP’s? 
• What could hurt me or my crew tonight?
• What do changes in construction and fire behavior mean to modern-day tactics and command?
• What are the implications of the latest NIST and UL studies regarding flow path?

GET READY CLASS

Saturday, March 31, 2018 10 a.m. – Noon

In preparation for the Marin Drive Structure Protection Group’s

Evacuation Drill a free GET READY class will be given at the

Join instructor Chris Jelinek of Humboldt Bay FD January 24, 2017 to review Indoor Grow House and Butane Hash Hazards, and Response Considerations.

To register:

Email:
landre@smfd.org

$25 Checks Payable to:

Southern Marin Fire District is honored to have Captain Mark VonAppen to present His Fully Involved Leadership Class on January 12, 2017. If you would like to attend, sign up today as space is limited.

Read Press Release

PRESS RELEASE - MARIN HEADLANDS TUNNEL CLOSURE

UPDATE FROM KATE: Seminary Interchange Improvements Soon To Be Constructed

What’s Happening at the Seminary Drive Interchange?

Last winter, I let you know about planned improvements coming to the Seminary Drive interchange. Here’s a recap of these improvements and a word about the construction soon to be underway.

The Seminary interchange project includes the intersection for the northbound (Seminary Drive) off ramp to Redwood Highway Frontage Road and the northbound on ramp to Highway 101.  Accident history at this location necessitated these improvements to give drivers better direction about how to proceed through the intersection safely.

Valley Fire Fundraiser

Like many in our community we have been moved by what we are seeing happen to our fellow Californians in the Valley Fire. Though we are out on the front lines battling these fires we return home feeling there is so much more that needs to be done and we believe we can collectively help.

The Southern Marin Fire Protection District is teaming up with our community to provide aid to the families in need in the area of the Valley Fire. Several agencies and private citizens have lent their support to people who have suffered losses due to the devastating fire. An area of tremendous need is with regards to pets and pet owners.

            The Southern Marin Fire Protection District is accepting donations of ALL PET RELATED ITEMS. Food/bowls, litter/litter boxes, kennels, beds, leashes, collars, over the counter flea and tick medications and anything else you can think of that will be helpful to a pet/pet owner. There has been a massive outpouring of donations to people in the affected area. We want to make sure that the pets are taken care of too.

The Southern Marin Fire Protection District recently responded to the Grand Jury Report - The Need for Labor Negotiation Transparency - Part II. Please click on the links below to access the Districts's official response.

Letter to Judge D'Opal

SMFD Grand Jury Response

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued a proclamation declaring September 2015 as “National Preparedness Month” in the State of California.

A third group of Southern Marin Firefighters have been deployed to battle wildland fires in California.  Deploying with a Strike Team of other agencies from Southern Marin, the group will likley be deployed for two weeks while fighting fires in the MAD River complex Fire.

The previous two deployed crews have returned and are back serving the Southern Marin Community. 

Beginning at 10p.m. on May 28^th until 5 a.m. on June 1, Doyle Drive will be completely shut down for construction. The closure is expected to have significant impacts on traffic and experts are encouraging drivers to find alternative routes or avoid driving in the area all together.

The four day closure will shut down traffic from Doyle Drive at the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge. The closure is needed for construction crews to complete the connections and transfer traffic to the new permanent roadway, which includes the new Main Post Tunnels, northbound Battery Tunnel, northbound high viaduct and restored connections to Highway 1 / Park Presidio.

For more information:

http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150512/doyle-drive-closure-to-wreak-havoc-on-marin-commute

The Marin County area is surrounded by water and both the Marin County Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire District are responsible for and respond to a variety of water based incidents each year.  Ensuring that our firefighters are well trained and highly comfortable in water environments is critical to our operations.

Today the Southern Marin Fire District and Marin County Fire Department began their first week of a regional firefighter recruit academy. The Recruit Academy is ten weeks in duration and provides a basic foundation for new firefighters. Regional Fire Academies provide an economical method to train firefighters from many agencies, at one time, thereby eliminating duplication as well as ensuring that they are all taught the same processes and procedures. The Academy is a carefully orchestrated process that prescribes every moment of activity while the student is learning.

This photo shows the students first class picture with their Instructors.

Commit a couple of hours, or the entire day and join others throughout the nation making communities a safer place to live on Saturday, May 2, 2015.  Challenge friends, family members, a faith-based groups or youth organization to create a project and accomplish something great together!  

Efforts will raise wildfire awareness and help protect homes, neighborhoods and entire communities, while increasing safety for wildland firefighters during future wildfires; or your project could lessen current post-fire impacts.

NFPA is pleased to announceState Farm®, the largest home insurer in the United States, has provided funding forsixty-five $500 project funding awardsto implement projects on May 2. State Farm has a long history of proactive wildfire safety education to its policyholders in high-risk regions and NFPA is proud to partner with State Farm on this national wildfire safety campaign.

Applying for a project funding award is easy and takes only a few minutes:

Firefighters can often be seen conducting training exercises that mimic events that they must often respond to. These exercises provide firefighters with the opportunity to practice and perfect their skills, and to do it in a controlled environment. In this photo Southern Marin firefighters at Fire Station 9 practice vehicle stabilization techniques using a variety of tools, including struts. Stabilizing overturned or unstable vehicles is a critical first step in providing aid to medical patients.

Southern Marin residents and friends of Southern Marin Fire we wanted to give you an update on the predicted storm which was shared to us by the California Office of Emergency Services.

The incoming storm has been predicted to deliver rain totals as high as 10” in the higher elevations by the end of the events sometime Monday. The storm is anticipated to come in two waves with the first wave arriving Thursday and lasting through Friday, and into Saturday with the heaviest rain on Friday (6-8” totals in higher elevations). They are predicting a slight break on Saturday and then the arrival of a second smaller event on Sunday (1-3” totals in higher elevations). The storm total prediction for most urban areas is 1.5 to 3”. The only change in the forecast is the rain will spread father down the coast south and the wind speeds have increased a bit so there may be some trees down and power outages with the potential for down power line. Residents are advised to never approach a down power line and always assume they are energized. In addition, some localized flooding may occur in the lower areas prone to flooding. As of today the NWS hydrologists are not predicting critical levels in the Marin creeks, but please remember that these areas are very dangerous due to the moving water and should be avoided by all ages. Fire District personnel will be keeping an eye on creek gauges throughout the storms in an effort to forecast any potential issues. The following advisories and watches are in effect:

Do you that every year 795,000 people suffer a stroke in our country and that it is the leading cause of long term disability?

Do you know the signs of a someone having a stroke? If a person gets to a hospital quick enough much of the damage can often be reversed.

Look at this graphic and remember F.A.S.T. Call 911 if you see someone showing signs of having a stroke. You can save a life.

Beginning the week of February 2, 2015, and for a two week period, PG&E will be driving through the communities and neighborhoods of Southern Marin with a highly sensitive gas monitoring vehicle.  The monitor is a highly sensitive detector mounted to a vehicle, which is one thousand times more sensitive then PG&E's normal gas detection meters.  There are a total of eight of these vehicles in PG&E's fleet for California.

PG&E uses this new technology to detect gas leaks long before they become a major problem.  The sensors are mounted on top of a PG&E vehicle and the vehicle drives through the neighborhood at about 15 mile per hour.  The PG&E vehicle is a Ford Escape, hybrid.  This vehicle is supported by other PG&E staff who can follow up on detections of possible leaks. 

PG&E works very closely with Fire Service Agencies.  On January 25, 2015, PG&E and multiple public safety agencies, including Southern Marin Fire District and Mill Valley Fire, met with PG&E staff to review the program and vehicle, and discussed how this vehicle and service would integrate into emergency operations.

At the January 28, 2015 Board Meeting, Interim Fire Chief Tubbs, administered the Oath of Office to Fire Inspector Ryan Boykin.  Ryan works in the Fire Prevention Bureau under the direction of the Deputy Fire Marshal, Fred Hilliard.  

Inspector Boykin comes from a Fire Service family; his father is the former Fire Chief for Hayward, CA Fire Department and his mother is the founder of Boykin Consulting Services, a company who provides inspection services associated with hazardous materials and fire prevention.  Ryan brings a passion for Fire Prevention to the District and plans to make Fire Prevention and Fire Investigation a career.  

For the first time in its 77-year history, the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed for construction.

The Bridge will be closed for 52 hours over the second weekend of January 2015. The Bridge will close at 12:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10th, 2015.  It will reopen at 4:00 a.m. Monday, January 12th, 2015.

During this weekend, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will install a Moveable Median Barrier on the Bridge and its approaches.  The Barrier is expected to provide a safer system of separating opposing lanes of traffic, which will virtually eliminate the possibility of head-on collisions.

The Bridge District urges the public to stay away from the Bridge area during this weekend.  If travel between San Francisco and the North Bay Area is necessary, here are some options to get to your destination:

Firefighters Travis Fox and Mike Coleman spearheaded an effort to raise funds from the Southern Marin Firefighters Association and individual members of the Fire District, for the purchase of ten bicycles that could be donated to the North Bay Children’s Center. Motivated by their desire to give a helping hand to those less fortunate, District personnel were clearly successful in making a difference in the lives of ten young children who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the experiences associated with learning to ride and be with their friends.

The attached photo shows Captain Sullivan and his crew, FF/Eng. Vollmer, Coleman and Boaz, and FF/PM Golden with several of the kids who received their new bikes.

The Fire Marshal's Office, located at Fire Station 1 in Sausalito, will be closed during the Christmas and New Years holidays.  The Office will be closed beginning December 25th, 2015 through January 5th, 2015.  If you need to make contact with the Fire Marsha's Officel, messages can be left on the Fire Marshal's Voice Mail (415) 289-4163 and they will be returned after January 5th..  In the event of an emergency please dial 911.

At 07:07 hours this morning, firefighters from Southern Marin Fire, Mill Valley Fire and Marin County Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Burger King Restaurant in Marin City. First arriving units noted smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters quickly discovered a small fire behind the parapet wall due to a possible electrical malfunction. The fire was quickly extinguished and the electric circuit de-energized. Damaged was contained to the parapet wall near the malfunctioned electric outlet.

NEW ADVISORY: Forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds developing late Wednesday and continuing through Friday. North Bay rainfall could exceed 5 inches on the windward side of the coast range. 3-5 inches of rain is possible locally. Heavy rain should be expected Thursday night as well. Possible impacts include trees uprooted, power lines down, flooding, mudslides, and traffic impacts.

The Southern Marin Fire District strongly encourages businesses and residents to prepare for the upcoming storm. The following lists potential issues and resources available to help you prepare for the many issues this storm may present. Flooding – If your home or business is in a low-lying area with a history of flooding, please take the time now to prepare for the possibility of flooding: 

• Learn more about sandbags, flood maps, and other preparations here and here. 
• If a blocked catch basin or storm drain is causing flooding, for Mill Valley contact the Department of Public Works at 415-384-4800 during regular business hours and non-emergency dispatch after hours 415-446-4526. Sausalito residents should contact the Department of Public Works at 415-289-4113 during normal working hours and 415-289-4170 after hours. For Marin County residents contact (415) 472-0911. If the blocked storm drain is causing an immediate danger, call 911 from any land or mobile phone.
• Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Please rake them up and place them in your green bin for disposal. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding.
• More information on high tides and flooding information can be found here.

Power Outages

• Have flashlights and battery-operated radios with fresh batteries ready for updates on storm conditions and power outages. Tune in to KQED 88.5 FM, KCBS 740 AM or KGO 810 AM.
• Fire Officials recommend that residents do not use candles because of the risk of fire. Use battery-powered light sources.
• Click here for more useful tips.
• Anticipate power outages and bookmark PG&E’s power outage page.

Downed Trees and Limbs:

This morning at approximately 0300 hours, the Southern Marin area was hit with major rainfall that resulted in significant flooding issues. Firefighters from Mill Valley, Southern Marin, Tiburon and Marin County responded to several events in the region. Local weather stations reported rainfall of 1.6 inches over a three hour period.

Firefighters responded to both businesses and homes that were impacted by flooding as a result of the heavy rainfall. One area that sustained significant flooding included the Cove Shopping Center that reportedly had over three inches of standing water in the parking lot. A number of homes were also impacted, and damage varied depending on location.

Firefighters continue to work with businesses and residents in assisting mitigation efforts and will likely be responding to additional impacts from the weather today.

NOAA predicts that weather for the remainder of the day include a high tide at approximately 0900 this morning, as well as ongoing rainfall for the remainder of the day. Regular weather updates can be found at NOAA's website: www.noaa.gov/wx.html.

According to NOAA, A series of storm systems will impact the Bay Area starting this Friday and continuing through early next week. The weaker of the two storms will bring rain initially to the Bay Area Friday afternoon and then spreading southward through Saturday evening. The second stronger storm will impact the Bay Area Sunday through early Tuesday bringing heavier rainfall and possibly gusty winds.

On Friday, November 17, 2014, Southern Marin FD Firefighters from Fire Station 4 again partnered with the United States Marine Corps, and Radio Station ALICE, for the annual Toys for Tots drive.  District Firefighters participated in this worthy cause last year and as the photos show, it was a huge success.

Firefighters from Mill Valley, Marin County and Southern Marin Fire District responded to a reported structure fire in Mill Valley.  Upon arrival firefighters were able to quickly determine that all occupants were out of the house, and were then able to contain and extinguish the fire in the room of origin - a small office/den area.  Damage was moderate and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

After thirty-seven years of selfless public service, Chief Jim Irving was recongnized today by Southern Marin Fire District personnel, friends, and other regional fire service partners as he completes his last active duty shift with the District.  On duty staff lowered the colors at Station 9 and presented them to Chief Irving in recognition of his service and final duty shift to the District.  The days events were at times festive and celebratory, and at times emotionally charged as the significance of this occasion was felt by all.  The District, and Marin County Fire Service Community is exceedingly grateful to Chief Irving and his wife Trudy, for their dedication and love of this organization, the Marin County region and the fire service community.  Best wishes to Chief Irving and Trudy as they embark on a new adventure. 

At the November 19, 2014 Board Meeting, Chief Irving, in his final promotional ceremony as the District's Fire Chief, administers the Oath of Office to (L-R) Deputy Chief Chris Tubbs, Battalion Chief Kai Pasquale, and Captain Doug Paterson.  The three were recently appointed to their new positions for the Southern Marin Fire District.

Southern Marin Firefighters participate in a training exercise with other members (Marin County Fire, Southern Marin Fire, Kentfield Fire and NPS), of the Marin County Water Rescue Team at Coast Guard Station Golden Gate.

What is Marin County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) used for?

• The emergency notification system’s primary purpose is to advise you of any situation occurring or about to occur that threatens harm to life and/or property or is deemed dangerous by officials. This may include, but is certainly not limited to, extreme weather, natural or man-made disasters, crime, pandemics, hazardous materials incidents, and missing persons.

What, if any, of my contact information do you already have in the current telephone emergency notification system for me?

• The Marin County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System uses listed and unlisted/blocked landline numbers provided by AT&T and Verizon.

Why am I being asked to use the Self Registration Portal?

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 6 PM TUESDAY THROUGH 6 PM WEDNESDAY FOR THE  NORTH AND EAST BAY HILLS ABOVE 1000 FEET. Although the warning is officially for altitudes above 1000 feet, all areas will have a higher fire danger.

For more information: 

National Weather Service

Please take a moment and read the link below. This is a really good article regarding the potential damage that will occur along the California coast, particularly in the north, after we suffer a Mega Quake. These devastating quakes are happening more frequently around the world. The results are as we all know. Events such as the Indian Ocean in 2008, and more recently Haiti and Japan, should be a serious eye openers for us all. Please take a moment to read this article.

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Totally-Psyched-for-the-Full-Rip-Nine.html?page=all

SMFD has added all SM CERT responders into the MEANS notification system.

There are currently approx. 280 certified CERT responders living within the District. MEANS (Marin Emergency Activation and Notification System) had been used to notifiy SM CERT division supervisors only. It was their responsibility to notify their division CERT's. This has now expanded the system to notify all SM CERT's when the teams are needed for activation. CERT's will be notified by the software program calling your home, and or cell number, to notify the CERT's that an activation is taking place. As in the past, the response plan will not change. All SM CERT's are requested to activate automatically in a large scale disaster. However, wait until activated in smaller isolated events such as localized flooding, wildfire, or winter storms.

The third SM CERT disaster response trailer is now completed. The trailer is located at the fire station in Sausalito. All SM CERT members are encouraged to stop by station 1 and familiarize yourselves with the equipment, and their locations in the trailer. Sausalito Division Supervisors need to download the equipment check out schedule located in the right hand column on this webpage. Checks need to be completed once a month. Assistance will be provided by the on duty crew if needed. Sausalito division supervisors, feel free to trade your month with another member. However, the checks need to be completed monthly. This bring's the total number of SM disaster trailers to three. One each in Strawberry, Tam Valley, and Sausalito. Questions or concerns to Larry.

SMFD now has both Facebook and Twitter accounts for our community. These social media sites are a great way for the District to communicate with our citizens about what is happening within the District. Information will include emergency responses by the District, information on special events, disaster preparedness information, photo gallery, and news and instructions in the event of a large emergency or disaster. This will be another method of communication to our community in the event of a disaster.

The new Marin County CERT website is up and running. The new countywide CERT program will hold it's first of ten classes for 2011 in January. The course will be conducted in Nicasio. Interested students may registar for classes by going to the website a twww.marincountycert.org then click the Training link at the top of the page. This will take you to a drop down menu for registration. Students now have two ways to register. The regisatration form may be filled out and mailed in with your payment, or the 'paypal'  link for online registration may be used.

The website includes various articles, photo galleries, CERT news from around Marin, an events calendar, and Marin County CERT contact information.

The five Marin CERT training zones have been working since earlier this year to standardize CERT trainings throughout the County.

The 2012 schedule for the Marin County CERT Basic courses has been released. The first class for 2012 in Nicasio is already sold out. The February class is scheduled for Thurs. February 9th and Fri. February 10th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Novato. Please go towww.marincountycert.org to register for any of the 2012 courses. Courses in the Southern Marin area are scheduled for June and October 2012.

Our new website was launched late summer 2012 to provide easier access to the services of Southern Marin Fire Protection.  Our goal is to quickly answer any questions or concerns raised by residents and visitors to our district, with accesible and organized web based information technology.

At its June 28th Board Meeting, the Southern Marin Fire District interviewed four candidates after which the Board appointed two Sausalito representatives; one to an open full-voting position (due to Board member Doug Wriston's resignation in May), and one non-voting Ad Hoc seat the District Board offered to the residents of Sausalito if the annexation was approved by the voters. The Board appointed Peter Van Meter (a former City Council Member) to fill the full voting vacancy, and former Sausalito Police Chief, Stephen Willis (who also served temporarily as Fire Chief), to the Ad Hoc position. Both new members were sworn in June 28, 2012. The Board bumped its normal fourth Wednesday meeting to Thursday to provide time for the election results to be certified by the Registrar of Voters and by the Local Agency Commission, without which the appointments could not have been made. Just under the wire, the Registrar's office gave the District its certification on June 24th, followed by LAFCO's certification on June 26th. The campaign over the annexation, also known as "Measure D," resulted in approval by an almost two-thirds majority of Sausalito citizens. The Board and the Fire Chief are reaching out to the residents of Sausalito now that we are One. These new appointments will give Sausalito immediate representation prior to the next election on the Southern Marin Fire Board. The new Board Members will need to run for office at the November of 2013 election. Those who would like more information may use the following contact numbers: Chief Jim Irving 415-388-8182 Clerk of the Board, Susan Kim 415-388-8182

Southern Marin Fire Protection District has entered a new joint powers agreement with the Town of Corte Madera. Under the agreement, the two agencies will share personnel. Initially the two agencies will share a battalion chief position. The arrangement would save Corte Madera about $135,000 a year and Southern Marin approximately $60,000. The two agencies expect that as more chief officers retire, more positions will be shared.

Sausalito voters will be able to weigh in on whether to merge the Sausalito Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District, but a date has not been set for an election. The Sausalito City Council — which received a briefing at its Tuesday meeting — has called a special meeting for March 9 to consider putting the matter to voters as soon as the June 5 primary election. The item also could also go to a mail-in ballot in late August or be put on the Nov. 6 ballot. The first step will be for the Local Agency Formation Commission to call for an election via a resolution at its March 8 meeting. Sausalito residents signed petitions to call for an election on the fire merger, which had been approved by the council and LAFCO.

The Marin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the annexation of the area of the City of Sausalito into the Southern Marin Fire Protection District. The annexation is not yet complete and must still go through a Public Protest phase. Registered voters or property owners within the Sausalito City limits may file a protest with LAFCO. If less than 25% of voters or property owner protest, LAFCO will likely certify the annexation in their January meeting and it will become effective soon after that. If more than 25%, but less than 50% file protests, the annexation question will go the Sausalito voters for approval. If more than 50% file protests, the annexation process is canceled. 

For more information on the annexation effort, you may click below.

Southern Marin Fire District now has Facebook and Twitter accounts. In an effort to communicate better with our community, the fire district has created these social media options. This will provide citizens with information and news regarding the District's daily operations, information on special events, and specific instructions and news in the event of a local emergency or large scale disaster.  Please come visit out sites by clicking on the links provided.

Small Tidal Surge Hits Marin Region

A small tidal surge hit the Marin Coastal region yesterday morning as a direct result of the 8.9 earthquake in Japan on Friday morning. The surge struck the Southern Marin area about 9:22 am yesterday morning. Video footage is available on the Marin IJ's website from numerous areas acrossed our coastal region, including Richardson Bay. 

www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_17593218?source=most_viewed

Although no damage resulted, it is clearly visible that the water line had receeded during the low tide before the surge came in. 

Disaster in Japan Should be a Serious Wake-up Call for Marin

Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami should serve as a serious eye opener for all of us here in Marin County. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake was thousands of times stronger than Loma Prieta in 1989. It is only a matter of time before Marin and other areas of the west coast suffer the same catastrophic events.