Marin Firefighters Kickstart Bike Drive For Kids Affected By Wildfires

MARIN COUNTY, CA – With so many families affected by the devastating North Bay wildfires and the holiday season around the corner, Southern Marin Fire Protection District is getting an early start to its annual bicycle drive for children.

"As firefighters, we have the ability to reach the people, and we want to help as many people as we can," Southern Marin Fire Battalion Chief Kai Pasquale said.

In the past week, over 245,000 acres have burned across California, according to Cal Fire. As of Tuesday morning, more than 11,000 firefighters are still fighting 12 large wildfires burning in the state. A total of 41 people have died and and more than 5,700 structures have been destroyed.

Firefighters across Marin County have helped fight the North Bay wildfires.

Fifteen firefighters from Southern Marin Fire Protection District alone have helped battle the blazes in Napa and Sonoma counties. That's about 30 percent of the district, said Pasquale, who has been with the district for 17 years.

"We've seen the TV footage and we've seen firsthand all the devastation and the people who have been affected in the surrounding counties," Pasquale said.

Firefighters from Southern Marin Fire Protection District are actively involved in local communities throughout the year, including through the district's annual bicycle drive for children.

This is the fourth year the district has raised funds for bicycles and collected used bikes for kids during the holiday season.

Firefighter Mike Coleman has spearheaded the bike drive from the start.

"I just wanted to give back to the community," said Coleman, who has been a firefighter for seven years.

In the past, bicycles have gone to children in Marin County. With so many families affected by the wildfires in neighboring counties, this year firefighters have decided to donate bikes to kids impacted by the fires.

Community members have also reached out to the fire district, requesting that the bikes be given to children affected by the fires, Coleman said. They also asked to kickstart the campaign now even though it doesn't usually start until November.

"It's pretty cool to see the community come together," said Coleman, who hopes to donate 1,000 bikes to children.

"Community support and outreach has been truly magnificent," Pasquale agreed. "We really appreciate it."

Monetary donations and used bikes in good working condition can be dropped off at Southern Marin Fire's Strawberry station at 308 Reed Blvd. in Mill Valley or Mill Valley Fire Department's headquarters at 1 Hamilton Drive. Staff can also pick up bikes for those unable to drop them off at the fire stations.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched online for the bike drive. As of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, $825 has been raised toward the $15,000 fundraising goal.

Photos from past bike drive courtesy of Mike Coleman