In response to California Mutual Aid requests, the San Rafael Fire Department (SRFD) has deployed two fire engines and dedicated crews to assist in battling the devastating wildfires impacting Southern California. These fires have caused widespread destruction, and San Rafael is proud to join agencies across the state in supporting firefighting efforts. Collectively, Marin fire...
Bid Advertised: January 8, 2025 Submission Deadline: February 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM The City of San Rafael (City) hereby requests proposals for professional grazing services for our open space regions within the City for the 2025 vegetation management season. This work is intended to mitigate hazards in open space areas by significantly reducing vegetation...
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL On December 2, 2024 the City Council will hold public hearing to consider and possibly take an action on (1) A Resolution of the City of San Rafael City Council certifying an Environmental Impact Report, ( 2) An ordinance of the City of San...
Our first strong storm of the season is almost here. Today is the last chance to clear leaves and debris from gutters and storm drains. There is high confidence of 3-4” rainfall totals across the County within 48 hours starting Wednesday morning with portions of the County seeing between 4-6". Strong gusty winds of 40-50...
San Rafael Fire Department, in partnership with Marin County Fire Department and California State Parks, is conducting a collaborative San Pedro Mountain Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project funded by a Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention Grant. The project is located along approximately 12.3 miles of ridgetop and connecting fire roads throughout the San Pedro Mountain open space...
In response to the recent fire near the shuttered Regency Cinema on June 27, 2024, the City of San Rafael has taken immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents and address community concerns. The City’s Wildfire Mitigation team immediately contacted the Regency Cinema's property owners to develop a robust action plan...
Goats and sheep are expected to begin grazing within San Rafael and Marinwood in the coming months. This year there will be some small changes to the goat and sheep grazing program to provide the best service to our community, to better reduce the impacts of wildfire, and to provide the most environmentally conscious and...
On Monday, March 21st the San Rafael Fire Department began work on the San Rafael - San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone (SRSAFRZ) project. This project aims to reduce the risk of wildfire in the densely vegetated area in the Mount Tamalpais Cemetery area and surrounding open space. The project will remove plants that can easily...
On the morning of 11/27, fire units were dispatched to a report of smoke seen coming from a Caltrans administrative office building by motorists passing by that called 911. Upon arrival, fire crews determined that there was active fire coming from the back of the building and that the fire had extended to the interior...
The kitchen can be the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Holiday cooking can be hectic, when there is a lot of activity and people at home. Be aware of fire safety to ensure you and your...
A potentially strong "atmospheric river" will impact the region between Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17 bringing prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain along with gusty winds. The brunt of the storm is forecast to occur between Tuesday through Wednesday. Impacts from the heavy rains may include rapid ponding of water and flooding...
Around 2:30 am on November 2nd, firefighters quickly responded to a small fire near the San Rafael Elks Lodge west of Robert Dollar Drive. A battalion chief, five engines and a paramedic ambulance responded. The fire was contained within 20 minutes. Crews remained on scene for several hours ensuring the fire was completely extinguished and...
NOVEMBER 1 UPDATE: Firefighters will continue the wildfire prevention work at China Camp State Park with a second prescribed fire on Thursday, November 2, between 9 AM and 4 PM. The Marin County Fire Department is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations on Friday, October 20, or soon after, when conditions allow, at China Camp State Park...
This morning the San Rafael Fire Department commemorated September 11th at the Public Safety Center. Twenty-two years ago on September 11, many courageous fire and law enforcement professionals and everyday people sacrificed their lives to help others. I will never forget how those brave members in uniform calmly answered the call of duty, helped as...
Today marks the first day of National Preparedness Month. Marin County is no stranger to the destruction that disasters like wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes can bring. Our resilience during an emergency is dependent on the amount of preparation we put in ahead of time. Over the next month, we will share some simple steps San...
With nearly 1000 goats and sheep grazing across San Rafael, the Fire Department works hard to keep the herds safe and contained. The City contracts with a grazing service provider with expertise in caring for the animals' safety and wellbeing. Herders and herding dogs live on site to monitor the welfare of the animals...
The City of San Rafael will be sending out weekly project updates with construction updates, traffic PG&E will be temporarily closing Chula Vista to replace a gas service in the area. The road closure will happen Thursday, June 22, from approximately 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. They have an approved encroachment permit EP2302-026 and notifications...
The City of San Rafael will be sending out weekly project updates with construction updates, traffic PG&E’s subcontractor, Core Tree Care, will be temporarily closing Upper Fremont Dr to perform vegetative maintenance around their power lines. The road closure will happen Tuesday June 20, from approximately 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. They have an approved...
The Fire Department’s prescribed herbivory, (grazing) program is underway in Open Space across San Rafael. We are excited to share that we also have a flock of sheep this year who are hard at work munching away for wildfire mitigation. This week, the sheep are moving through Robert Dollar Open Space where they will be...
Parking clarifications in the Dominican, Fairhills, Gerstle Park, and West End Neighborhoods are scheduled for Thursday, May 4th. The materials used for painting the parking boxes on pavement require a dry surface so, the installation date had been delayed due to rainy weather over the past few months. Clarifications now set for installation on Thursday,...
It is an exciting part of the spring season when the goats come to town! Goat grazing in San Rafael helps mitigate wildfire risk to the community by removing light and flashy fuels that enable wildfire to spread across the landscape. The intent of removing these fuels around homes and other infrastructure is to help...
A second round of parking clarifications in the Gerstle Park, Fair Hills, and West End Neighborhoods are scheduled to be installed in February to help improve emergency access and egress. After the installation of new signage last year, there was an adjustment period where staff worked closely with residents in these neighborhoods to make any...
Have you been wondering what a fire-adapted landscape or yard looks like? Come see for yourself at the San Rafael Fire Department fire-adapted demonstration garden at the San Rafael Community Center located at 618 B Street in spring 2023. Beginning Thursday, December 15th, 2022, the San Rafael Fire Department, in collaboration with the San Rafael...
During the first few weeks in October, the initial round of parking clarifications in the Gerstle Park, Fair Hills, and West End Neighborhoods were completed to help improve emergency access and egress. After the installation of the new signage, there has been an adjustment period where staff have been working with residents in these neighborhoods...
The San Rafael Fire Department will be conducting vegetation work in the San Rafael open space behind Gerstle Park as a part of an MWPA-funded Fuel Reduction Project. The City of San Rafael is part of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA). In 2020, Marin County voters passed special tax Measure C, which established a Joint...
Starting October 5th, 2022, the San Rafael Fire Department, in collaboration with California State Parks and Marin County Fire Department will begin vegetation management along fire roads in China Camp State Park. The work will remove invasive weeds, grasses, shrubs, dead woody vegetation, and some small diameter trees along the road edge to reduce wildfire...
Beginning October 22, 2022, the San Rafael Fire Department, in collaboration with Marin County Fire Department will begin vegetation management along Gold Hill Fire Road in San Rafael Open Space. The work will remove invasive weeds, grasses, shrubs, dead woody vegetation, and some small-diameter trees along the road edge to reduce wildfire risk and provide...
The City of San Rafael, through its Fire Department, is soliciting proposals from qualified and licensed tree service contractors for roadside vegetation clearance. This project is funded by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) and will help improve evacuation routes and facilitate emergency responder ingress. RFP Roadside Clearance Phase 3 Please direct questions about the...
SAN RAFAEL SHADED FUEL BREAK SITE VISIT Please join us for a field trip hosted by ESP to a shaded fuel break completed by San Rafael Fire Department in collaboration with MWPA. This project includes removal of invasive broom and acacia in the open space between Greenwood Ave & Upper Toyon Drive. Location: City-owned open...
Starting October 5th, 2022, the San Rafael Fire Department, in collaboration with California State Parks and Marin County Fire Department will begin vegetation management along fire roads in China Camp State Park. The work will remove invasive weeds, grasses, shrubs, dead woody vegetation, and some small diameter trees along the road edge to reduce wildfire...