Kneeland Fire has a fire house!
A Safeguard for the Kneeland Community: Many of us who move to rural communities are more than aware of the challenges that rural living can present. From water supplies to septic tanks and frequent winter power outages. Although living in a rural community such as Kneeland, Ca. can have a few downsides most of us who live here prefer the rural lifestyle. But, for a moment imagine a catastrophic earthquake taking out much of the north coast infrastructure. Without operating computer systems grocery stores would only be accepting cash and empty shelves within hours, fuel stations closed, emergency responders overwhelmed, long term power outages, hospitals overwhelmed, cell towers down. Kneeland residents would quickly find ourselves on our own for several days possibly even weeks before services would be restored.
We are also working to make sure our fire house could act as a community disaster center. Emergency supplies could easily be stored and would help provide emergency food, shelter and warmth for such events. Ham and emergency radio communications could help residents contact relatives for welfare checks. We vision our new fire station as more than a fire station, but a place to protect our citizens should the need arise. Our Community should be prepared for such events as they are inevitable living on the North Coast.
Apparatus Storage:
In order for us to provide services we need equipment! Fire engines, rescue equipment, medical equipment and support equipment. Kneeland Fire presently has three fire engines, one rescue apparatus and chiefs command. The replacement cost for our newest Rescue a 2005 FORD 4X4 would be $89,000. Also, during 2017 with the generosity of the Humboldt County Voters Measure “Z” project a newer 2003 structure engine ($110,000.) This does not take into account the $150,000 in equipment to outfit the trucks ready to respond. Kneeland also has acquired state of the art personal protective gear for our firefighters, new breathing apparatus (SCBA), low angle over the side rescue gear, AED heart defibrillator and firefighting equipment.
For many years our fire trucks and equipment have been stationed at volunteer’s residences, the old wood bus garage at the station and other simple garage structures. These storage locations were subject to weather, deterioration and costly maintenance expenses. Our equipment is now safely stored inside the station.
Training Facility:
Kneeland Fire has come a long way since the mid 1980’s and training our volunteers is important if not the most important thing we do. Continued training insures firefighter and situation safety and a professional emergency response from our firefighters. At present our volunteers train 3-4 times per month. Kneeland School historically provided us with indoor area for limited training during winter months, but the new fire house now provides us a year-round training facility.
How to Donate:
Donations can be made and earmarked:
Kneeland Fire Protection District Firehouse building fund:
Kneeland Fire Protection District
6201 Greenwood Hgts. Dr.
Kneeland, Ca. 95549
OR
Humboldt Area Foundation
707.442.2993
Kneeland Volunteer Fire Department Firehouse Project
