A Message From Our Fire Chief


Like the seasons, each period during the year brings opportunities and challenges. Now is a time to train, prepare, educate and gear up for fire season. Fire agencies both local and state-wide are fine-tuning mutual aid plans. Individuals are checking brush equipment. Training officers are scheduling hands-on training fortified by recent lessons learned. There is anticipation in the air.

This year, we are launching a Wildfire Action Plan that is on our website. This message encapsulates essential information for those folks living in wildland areas. A pop quiz and a checklist will assist in preparation and emergency decision-making. Very often residents choose not to think about possible disaster, so critical decisions are made in the heat of the moment.

Our department has historically made some good evacuation decisions. We treat residents like we would like to be treated. Our goal is to warn early, keep everyone informed, evacuate only if essential and return everyone home as soon as practical. Rescue interferes with protecting your property, but life safety is number one. We are “willing to risk…so that others can live.”

Our firefighters must be cognizant of the fire condition and so must everyone in fire-prone areas. I will be attending many of our training sessions to assure our dedicated men and women have received all the knowledge and tools they need. I ask each resident to assume personal responsibility and to prepare for this fire season as well. Know what to do, when to go, what to take, where to go and how to stay informed.


Yours in the interest of fire and life safety,

John M. Scherrei
Fire Chief