Groom Creek Fire District – Prescott, Arizona

Tuesday July 13th at 5:30 p.m.  This meeting will be to discuss up coming events including our bingo games, golf tournament, Groom Creek community classic, and the poker run.  Please attend.

The Groom Creek Fuels Crew is scheduled through October and all new requests will be delayed at least until that time.  We remind homeowners that our grant is good until October of 2012.  We apologize for the inconvenience and will be happy to address any firewise concerns that you may have.  If you are interested in getting fuels work done please contact  jeff(at)groomcreek.org

For those of you who will be participating in our off district response this year, it is absolutly imperative that you have a “new generation” fire shelter in your pack when you leave.  You may switch with your other firefighters and let your engine boss know who you switched with.

Volunteers, please check the shift calendar for your assigned shifts.  Review the requirements for signing up, one half month early, if you can not make the assigned shift you must find a trade with your fellow volunteers.

Our annual dumpster program is scheduled to start on 4/26.  The dumpster will be in front of the fire station through June.   If you do any work on your property to make it more fire safe, please fill out a sweat equity form to help us with our grant reporting.

• Needles and leaves only
• NO
  • Branches
  • Logs
  • Trash
  • Bagged material

REMINDER: Pancake Breakfast & Firewise Day are this Saturday.

As we begin preparing the upcoming fiscal year’s budget (2010-2011), we are looking at a reduction in tax revenue of 15%. We will be able to maintain the current level of service with this reduction which equals over $80,000 by cutting out all non-essential functions (like producing newsletters, free CPR classes, free snow removal, etc.) We will be doing everything we can to control costs in every aspect of our operations while ensuring that a minimum of 2 fully trained firefighters are available to respond to emergencies at any time. (more…)

Even though this winter has been wetter than normal, there will still be a fire season. The desert areas of the state have seen significant precipitation and will experience a much more active season as soon as things dry out. Eventually we too will be dry and will need to take the necessary precautions of creating defensible space and limiting the use of open flame.

We anticipate a shorter than normal and less intense season in the Groom Creek area, but there is always the potential for a dangerous outcome.

We have many fuels projects available to help mitigate the fire danger. Please call Jeff Archer to schedule an assessment.

We have two members to profile in this issue. Captain Joe Hernandez and Firefighter Cory Culbertson completed a Technical Rescue class in the fall of 2009 and became certified Technical Rescue Technicians. They were trained in Rope Rescue for both High Angle Rescue and Steep Angle Rescue, Swift Water Rescue,  Structure Collapse Rescue, Trench Rescue and advanced Helicopter Operations.

We have had many experiences where this type of training would come into play due to our steep and rugged terrain around the area. Our guys went through over 200 hours of training to get this certification. We applaud them for their dedication and professionalism.

The Groom Creek Fire District, along with the new civilian branch of our organization, The Groom Creek Fire Corps, is proud to announce the introduction of our new FREE Smoke Detector Program.

Through a grant provided by the FM Global Insurance Company, we were able to purchase 250 smoke detectors (9 volt battery included) to help us enhance the level of fire protection that our residents currently have.

We will be available to distribute the smoke detectors throughout the District on every Friday between the hours of 9am and 2pm starting on the first Friday in November on the 6th. Distribution will be on a “first come, first served” basis and while supplies last (Limit of two per household initially).

So how do I get one?

All you have to do in order to participate in this program is call, (928)778-6519 ext 102, or email Ernesto Manzanedo at ernesto@groomcreek.org with your request and a time of day that would be convenient for you to meet with us.

On the agreed upon date, myself along with our on duty firefighting crew will come to your home, install  your smoke detector and perform a free on-site fire safety survey in your home.

When installation is complete you will be presented with a copy of our survey findings, a fire prevention information kit, and a brochure with simple maintenance tips on how to keep your new smoke detector providing you trouble free service for seasons to come.

    Assistant Chief Manzanedo

April 13th at 4:30 p.m. at station 41 will be our team meeting. Anyone that wants to be part of the off-district team must attend. Our team meeting is an important part of or wildland response.

April 24th 8:00 – 10:00 am

$5 for adults $3 for kids  Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, Coffee, & Juice.   After the Breakfast, there will be presentations about firewise communities and this year’s fire season outlook. Presentations start at 10:00 am.

For more information on upcomming events Click Here