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Copyright © 2011 Kneeland Fire Protection District, Kneeland Ca. All Rights Reserved
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Kneeland Fire Chief:
Rick Hardin talks about the need for a firehouse.
Why does The Kneeland Fire Protection District need a
firehouse?
Rick Hardin talks about the need for a firehouse.
Why does The Kneeland Fire Protection District need a
firehouse?
Department legitimacy:
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 prefer the rural lifestyle and many would trade with us at the drop of a hat.
Having said that, emergency services such as fire and medical response can be quite a wait.
If there was no Kneeland Volunteer Fire Department... Fire departments out of Eureka or
Arcata may respond but since Kneeland is out of their district they would respond as an “as
available aid response”. Cal-Fire may respond with available units out of Fortuna or Trinidad
(45 minutes to an hour). So as you can see Kneeland Fire Protection District is the first choice
responding agency for structure fires, wildland fires, medical aid calls, vehicle accidents and
hazardous situations within our district. Kneeland Fire Department does have mutual aid
agreements with Humboldt Fire Dist., Eureka Fire, Arcata Fire and Cal-Fire.
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 prefer the rural lifestyle and many would trade with us at the drop of a hat.
Having said that, emergency services such as fire and medical response can be quite a wait.
If there was no Kneeland Volunteer Fire Department... Fire departments out of Eureka or
Arcata may respond but since Kneeland is out of their district they would respond as an “as
available aid response”. Cal-Fire may respond with available units out of Fortuna or Trinidad
(45 minutes to an hour). So as you can see Kneeland Fire Protection District is the first choice
responding agency for structure fires, wildland fires, medical aid calls, vehicle accidents and
hazardous situations within our district. Kneeland Fire Department does have mutual aid
agreements with Humboldt Fire Dist., Eureka Fire, Arcata Fire and Cal-Fire.
Home owners insurance companies could refuse “fire” insurance or charge an outlandish rate if there was no Kneeland Fire Protection District. Medical-
aid calls could go un-answered until an ambulance arrived, structure fires, vehicle accidents and wild land fires would be at the “as available” responses
from outlining communities. So is the Kneeland Volunteer Fire Protection District important asset to our community….you bet. Not only to keep insurance
fees at check but peace of mind for community residents as well.
Apparatus Storage:
Of course to be able to provide these services you need equipment! Fire engines, rescue equipment, medical equipment and support equipment.
Kneeland Fire presently has three fire/rescue apparatus. Each one although 25 years and older would cost over $20,000. to $40,000. each for like (used)
equipment to replace. This of course does not take into account the $140,000. in equipment to outfit the trucks to be able to respond.
Kneeland Fire over the last 5-7 years has invested heavily into state of the art personal protective gear for our firefighters, new breathing apparatus(SCBA’
s), low angle over the side rescue gear, AED heart defibrillator and firefighting equipment.
For many years our fire trucks and equipment have simply been stationed at volunteers residence at different locations subject to weather, deterioration
and costly maintenance expenses. Recently, Eureka City Schools donated the old wood bus garage at our site to house one of our engines.
For the department to survive not only financially but respectfully for years to come we as a community must address this problem. Kneeland needs a
Firehouse. It is now the time to move forward. After all the firehouse is for our community their families and our future.
Training Facility:
Kneeland Fire has come a long way since the mid 1990’s. Since we are a legitimate Fire Protection District of Humboldt County and from time to time
receive equipment federal or state grants, along with that are responsibilities in training our volunteers with structured and standardized training programs.
In today’s world with all the new hybrid motor vehicles, increasing new residential construction regular training is important in order to insure the safety of
firefighters and a positive response. At present our volunteers train 3-4 times pr. month during spring to fall until the weather turns bad then missing about 3
months of important trainings during winter due to no place to train. In order for us to maintain a well-trained and strong volunteer force we need a firehouse.
Community Response Area:
Kneeland is one of those rural areas that may find itself on its own for several days following a major disaster. Several years ago around Christmas
Kneeland experienced a 100 mile pr. hour wind storm. Trees were down, homes were damaged power was out for two weeks. Roads in all directions were
closed for days, many had nowhere to go. During the Japan earthquake and Tsunami families were evacuated from Eureka to Kneeland looking for a safe
zone.
Be it a devastating winter storm or if seismologist are correct and northern California experiences a large earthquake in the future residents could find
themselves again stranded. Our firehouse proposal could provide many residents temporary shelter, drinking water, emergency food and warmth. The time
for us to come together as a community is now. Let’s build this firehouse together. After all it is our responsibility and the future of our community.
How to Donate:
The good news is we are half way to our $120,000.00 goal. We have a great fund raising chairman. Our volunteers are excited and working hard. Your
Volunteer Firefighters are here for you in time of need 24-7. Before our equipment becomes a victim of mother nature please send your donation. Thank
You for your support.
Donations can be made and earmarked for the Kneeland Fire Protection District Firehouse building fund directly to the:
Kneeland Fire Protection District
6201 Greenwood Hts Dr
Kneeland, Ca. 95549
or by contacting the
Humboldt Area Foundation
707.442.2993
Kneeland Volunteer Fire Department
Firehouse Project
