In our continued effort to increases the survival rate of patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, along with emergency services agencies throughout San Diego County, is now a participating agency on PulsePoint. PulsePoint is an app that works to increase SCA survival rates by notifying CPR-trained users if someone nearby is in need of assistance. Users can then go to that person's aid until paramedics arrive.

 

More information, including links to download the app and steops for installing and setting it up, can be found on our PulsePoint page. Our press release can be read here.

 

Hands-Only CPR

When someone suffers cardiac arrest, every second counts. The longer a patient goes without Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the less likely their chance of survival.  Unfortunately, that is what happens all too often. According to the American Heart Association, 70% of Americans feel helpless during emergency situations and hesitate to act.


To help ease fears and increase the chances of patients getting the assistance they need, the AHA has developed Hands-Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps: 1. Call 9-1-1 and 2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Learn more on our Hands-Only CPR page. You can also download the Hands-Only CPR app from both Google and iTunes.

 

Hill Promoted to Fire Marshal

Fire Chief Tony Michel, on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, is pleased to announce that Renee Hill is being promoted to Fire Marshal effective July 1, 2014. Prior to the promotion Hill served the Fire District as as the Deputy Fire Marshal.

“During her time with the Fire District, Renee has proven herself to be a hard worker and exceled with each new challenge presented her,” said Chief Michel. “She is a true asset to the Fire District and we are fortunate to have her lead our Fire Prevention efforts.”

Learn more about Renee Hill in the full press release. (Photo by: www.CeCephoto.com)

 

Fire Mitigation Fee Increase

Effective July 1, 2014, the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego has increased the Fire Mitigation Fee to $0.52 per square foot of floor area for buildings. More information can be found in the county ordinance or by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at 858-756-5971.

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and gratitude during the Bernardo Fire. The generous gifts of food, cards, beverages, and more, while not necessary, were much appreciated. We’ve been so flooded with goodies and kindness that we ask that any future donations be made to the Red Cross, which aids both firefighters and displaced families.

We would also like to thank the other agencies with whom we worked so closely during the incident. It truly was a joint effort with Del Mar, Elfin Forest, Encinitas, Oceanside, Poway, Rainbow, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista Fire Departments, CalFire, U.S. Forest Service, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, and the State Office of Emergency Services. We also appreciate all of the fire agencies from outside our local area who came to assist not only with the Bernardo Fire but the other incidents in our area as well. A special thank you, too, to the dispatchers at North County Dispatch JPA.

Finally, thank you to our families, some of whom were evacuated themselves. We couldn’t do what we do without your love and support.

 

Wildfire: Are You Prepared?

Wildfires are a constant threat for those of us living in Southern California, especially within wildland-urban interface areas like Rancho Santa Fe and its surrounding communities. The Fire Protection District employs a hazard abatement inspector who surveys properties for fire hazards and mails violation notices to property owners not in compliance with District Ordinance 2004-02 and 2014-01.

Residents within the RSFFPD service area should begin to receive a letter reminding them of the local hazard abatement requirements. Learn more about how you can safeguard not only your home, but your entire community, with the following resources:

 

Plant and Landscape Guide

In an effort to protect homes from a future devastating wildland fire such as the ones experienced in 2003 and 2007, the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District (RSFFPD) does not allow certain types of trees, plants, or shrubs to be planted within certain distances of structures. The fire district has created a booklet that contains valuable information pertaining to both desirable and undesirable trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, roadway clearances, and palm trees. The goal is to educate the public on RSFFPD's ordinances regarding landscaping so they can increase the the chances of their home surviving a wildfire. Please feel free to download a PDF copy or stop by one of our fire stations and pick one up!

 

Administrative Offices

Just a reminder that our Administrative Offices, which were once housed at Station 1, are now located in the Plaza at the entrance to the community of Cielo, across Calle Ambiente from Station 4. The new location is more centrally located to all areas of the district and will allow us to better meet the needs of our customers. Services offered included plan submissions, plan checks, car seat installations, accounts payable, and other administrative or prevention matters.