![Mariposa Fire Truck](/sierrasuntimes/images/2016/Mariposa-Fire-Truck.jpg)
Mariposa community responding to countywide incidents.
Monday, September 5 thru Sunday, September 11
EMS - 11
Fires - 2
Public Assists - 1
Auto Collisions - 1
Mariposa County Fire Department supports the county with 14 volunteer stations located throughout the county. If you are 18 years of age and possess a valid CA driver’s license, we would love to hear from you! Positions are available for fire, medical, and various support duties. No experience necessary – we will train you! – Please call (209) 966-4330 today for more information!
Prevent injuries and property damage from drought-damaged trees
Recently two firefighters in another state were killed from trees that fell while they were on a fire. Because of the drought situation and tree mortality being one of the highest in Mariposa County, the department has shared with its members to be on the lookout when out on calls for dangerous trees. Some may look fine, but at any given moment branches and/or entire trees can fall causing injury or death. Mariposa County Fire shares the following information from PG&E to assist you in preventing injuries and property damage.
Four years of drought conditions have caused many trees in our communities to die or become extremely unhealthy. Lack of water has weakened them, making them susceptible to disease and infestations of harmful insects such as bark beetles. These compromised trees are a hazard to people and property since they can fall on power lines and homes without warning and cause injuries, property damage, power outages and wildfires.
To prevent such incidents, we have increased tree inspections as well as tree pruning and removal. We are also asking you to help by inspecting trees on your property and throughout your community.
Take these steps to stay safe:
Report dead, dying or diseased trees near power lines
Some signs of a dead, dying or diseased tree are bare branches, brown leaves or needles, a cracked or leaning trunk and trails of fine sawdust near the tree base indicating an insect attack. If you identify such a tree and it is close to a power line, don’t attempt to remove or prune it. Please stay away and call us at 1-800-743-5000.
Request a free, temporary service disconnection
If you notice tension on your service drop (line to home or business), please call us at 1-800-743-5000 to ask for a free, short term disconnection. This will allow you to prune without the risk of electrical contact.
Mind the lines: Know what's overhead
While primary lines carry the highest voltage, secondary lines and service drops carry enough voltage to cause injury or death. When performing tree pruning or vegetation removal, always look up first and stay clear of all power lines.
Be aware of power line locations
Pruning trees next to high voltage power lines is extremely dangerous. Only people who receive special training are permitted to work within 10 feet of lines according to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA).
Find out more about clearing vegetation to create defensible space around your home. Visit readyforwildfire.org.