Firefighting Capability Boosted In Marin

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The Marin County Fire Department will add four positions over the next two years to improve personnel coverage at local stations, boost wildfire fuel reduction efforts and bolster its defensible space program -- a move estimated to cost $1.82 million over the next two years in salaries and costs of equipment, vehicles and maintenance, according to county officials.

No increase in net costs will hit the county's general fund, however, as funding will come from the Marin County Open Space District and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, aka CAL FIRE.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the fixed-term positions during its April 9 meeting.

“This allows us to provide more consistent and experienced leadership to the two existing seasonal fire crews without reducing personnel assigned to engine companies and fire stations,” Fire Chief Jason Weber said.

On March 26, Marin County Fire announced the proposed enhanced partnership with Marin County Parks to use tax revenues from Parks’ Measure A to cover part of the firefighting enhancements, official said.

"The partnership is providing $2.32 million over two years to help support a crew that will be assigned to reduce potential for damaging wildfires by cutting, chipping, removing and burning hazardous vegetation using chainsaws, chippers, masticators and other specialized equipment. Parks’ contribution includes costs for project management and environmental reviews," according to county staff.

Emergency readiness is one of the Board of Supervisors’ priorities, with a recent resident survey showing that disaster preparedness and environmental issues ranked among the top concerns of those living in Marin.

More information about fire safety can be found on the Fire Safe Marin website. Learn how to prepare an emergency kit at the Ready Marin website.

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