Firefighters at the Ready Story by BJ Sibley and photos by Greg Kristapovich
TOP: In with the New: Cal Fire is proud of its newest acquisition, a four-wheel drive Model 34 fire truck. It is one of 116 such trucks ordered for the State of California to replace its aging vehicles. Pictured standing, left to right, are Twain Harte Cal Fire personnel: Engineer Luis Morado, and Firefighters Andrew Heustess, Dustin Henry, Anthony Verna, Caitlin Jones, and Dave Donabedian. The driver is Engineer Dustin Hanks. His passenger is Firefighter Jake Radetich.
Vegetation fires broke out last Saturday, June 27th, in Twain Harte, Groveland and Tuttletown. On Sunday, fires erupted in Jamestown and in Calaveras County’s town of Milton. No structures were burned and the fires were quickly contained.
Fire is a summer scourge here in the Mother Lode, but local, regional and state fire crews stand ready for the battles.
Twain Harte Fire Chief Ernie McCoy has 15 firefighters and a firehouse full of equipment at the ready. He is especially proud of the newest piece of equipment, a state-of-the-art fire truck with multiple applications for fighting fires involving both ordinary combustibles and hydrocarbon fuels including gas and diesel.
Chief McCoy helped design the specification for the truck, number 724, which has been in service for the past two years. The truck has the largest engine available, a very large main pump, four-wheel drive and pump and roll capability. It also was designed to carry rescue equipment including the Jaws of Life, used to extricate people trapped in vehicles as the result of an accident.
Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also has some new equipment. According to Cal Fire Chief Barry Rudolph the engine, stationed in Twain Harte, is a four-wheel drive Model 34, one of 116 such trucks ordered for the State of California. Based on recommendations by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Blue Ribbon Commission, these new trucks will be replacing obsolete trucks though out the state.
“This is an example,” Rudolph said, “of good government. The new truck will support both the state and local firefighting mission year round.” The engine has main and auxiliary pumps, pre-connects for up to five hoses at a time, a foam tank, 20-foot ladder and improved emergency lighting packets. It can also seat five firefighters in air conditioned comfort, a necessity when the engine and crew must travel hundreds of miles to assist in fighting huge fires in other parts of the state.
Here at home, the Chiefs of both Twain Harte Fire and Cal Fire have some tips for helping residents and summer visitors have a safe summer.
“Making sure your outdoor barbeque stoves are safe is a good way to start out the summer,” said McCoy. “Check that your propane tank and connecting hoses are in good condition and, if using a charcoal barbeque, make sure that charcoal is completely out before turning your back on it. We want everyone to have a wonderful and fire-safe summer season.”
Regarding the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Chief McCoy wants to remind residents and visitors that all types of fireworks are illegal in Tuolumne County.
“We are now in the third year of summer draught,” said Rudolph. “The mountain vegetation is under a lot of stress because of the draught.” He emphasized that state law requires property owners to maintain 100’ of defensible space around that property. “You provide the defense and we’ll provide the offense.”
Rudolph also congratulated area residents for what he called, “their incredible job of safe debris burning” this past year. “We want to thank everyone who’s practiced these safe burning tactics.”
He also pointed out that the Plainview Slash disposal Site, opposite the west Twain Harte entrance off Hwy. 108, is open for anyone wanting to dispose of pine needles and other combustibles. For more information on the Slash Site or fire safety information you can check out the Hwy 108 Fire Safe Council’s website at www.tuolumnefiresafe.org.
BOTTOM: Out with the Old: The new Model 34 will replace this truck. It is one of the last trucks used in the state, which accommodate fire fighters in the rear of the vehicle. At one time, fire fighters would ride on the back step, holding on to handrails. It has been in Twain Harte since the station opened in 1968 but will soon be retired. The driver is Engineer Luis Marado. Seated are Firefighters Anthony Verna (left) and Andrew Heustess.
