HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2021-05-12 Minutes
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
ZOOM MEETING MINUTES
MAY 12, 2021
The Zoom meeting was called to order by Dr. Mizroch at 4:07pm.
Members present: Chief White, Steve Mizroch, Stan Burford, Tom Weathers, Dave Fonkalsrud, and
Nadine Hade. Absent: Larry Luckham
Open Time for Public Expression: No Comments
Approval of March Minutes: Approved without correction or additions.
Fire Foundation Report:
1. Treasury: unchanged from March
2. Annual Crab Feed planned for Dec. 11, 2021. While preparations commence in July, a final
decision on the Crab Feed (primarily resting on COVID regulations) will be made by Labor Day.
Public Safety Building Historical Display:
As seen in the Department’s more recent online “Hot Shot News”, Commissioner Mizroch
presented two 19th century SRFD leather fire buckets to Chief White to add to the Department’s
Historical Display. Though P.S.C. access restrictions have delayed implementation of lobby exhibits, it is
hoped that they will be available later this year.
Fire Commissioner Reports:
Dr. Mizroch spoke about a novel cancer detection program that BC Hatfield & Chief White have
considered for the Department. The program uses trained dogs to sniff out cancer. Since cancer is one
of the leading causes of death for firefighters nationwide, a good screening test could be valuable. The
dog sniffing program uses the remarkable canine smelling ability (10,000 – 100,000 times more acute
than humans) to uncover occult cancers. The science of “volatile organic compounds” underpins this
theory of detection. Stan Burford noted that Pine Street Clinic in San Anselmo helps train dogs to detect
cancer. A dog detecting possible cancer program at So. Marin Fire was described & challenges related to
false positives was discussed. More work is planned to help our firefighters protect against cancer risks.
Tom Weathers inquired about the May 10, 2021 City Council interviews to fill the seat of Fire
Commissioner Eli Hill. Dr. Mizroch opined that the City Council limit of two terms for Commissioners
does not count “Alternate” time for this metric. Chief White endorsed this interpretation.
Nadine Hade described the advantage of the Pulse Point app during a recent fire. On May 10th, smoke
was wafting through the city in the evening and Pulse Point noted it to be related to the Shoreline
Parkway fire.
Dave Fonkalsrud referred to a Marin IJ article on March 22, 2021 which described a Mill Valley request
to Google programmers to simulate a fire in Mill Valley and map evacuation route time frames
(including traffic congestion) in order to prepare for a major fire…analogous to the challenges of the
Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. Chief White reference Quinn Gardner’s work for San Rafael & Marin County
in proposing best evacuation routes should a major fire occur. The Commission requested a “Highlight”
update at a future meeting.
Fire Chief’s Report:
Chief White gave a comprehensive report on recent Department activity, highlighting the robust
enhancement of Wildfire Fire Inspections through funding by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.
There are currently nine Fire Inspectors. This number will be augmented in the coming months with the
expectation of 100% parcel inspection by the end of the year. There was a philosophical discussion of
the approach to “Inspections”. We expect a heavy emphasis on “Education & Collaboration” rather than
“Rules/Regulations/Code Enforcement”.
Fire Safe Marin is beginning Chipper Days on May 17, 2021. Residents can use the service twice
between 5/17 and 9/27/2021. Register online at “firesafemarin.org/chipperdays.”
Vegetation grants of $500-$1,000 are proposed for homeowners later this year.
Chief Chris Gray has returned part-time to SRFD to assist with special projects.
Chief White described a County study of “witnessed cardiac events” that showed SRFD
performing at an exemplary level.
The fire on Shoreline Parkway on May 10th caused 6-10 acres of grassland to burn. San Rafael
along with Mutual Aid from multiple agencies fully controlled the burn before structures were
threatened.
Chief White visited retired SRF Fire Captain John Diego on his 100th birthday recently.
On a very sad note, Engineer Joe Vasco died recently and memorial gatherings were held
throughout the Fire Department.
Our next meeting will be on Zoom on June 9, 2021. We have to meet in person in July!!
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15pm.