Sea Ranch Fire

Fire protection on The Sea Ranch is provided by Cal Fire and The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department (TSRVFD). Cal Fire and TSRVFD personnel function together as one fire department, “Sea Ranch Fire.” The VFD is led by Chief Bill Clyne, and Cal Fire Captain Shelley Spear leads the Cal Fire personnel assigned to The Sea Ranch.  While Sea Ranch Fire and The Sea Ranch Association work closely together, the fire department is not a part of, nor is it governed by, the Association. A Board of Directors, elected from and by members of TSRVFD, manages TSRVFD, working with Cal Fire and with the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Services (DES).  The DES coordinates and provides support to the fire service activities in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, which is known as County Service Area (CSA) 40.  CSA 40 is the structural entity that contracts with TSRVFD and with Cal Fire to provide a 24/7 staff. Funding for CSA 40 comes from Sonoma County property taxes.

There are two fire stations on The Sea Ranch. The station at 960 Annapolis Road (between the Association and Water Company offices) is the Main Station, and is staffed 24/7 by Cal Fire. One Sea Ranch engine and one squad truck are housed at the Main Station. During the fire season additional, seasonal Cal Fire staff are also on duty at the Main Station to support Cal Fire’s mission to provide fire services throughout the state.  An additional Cal Fire wildfire engine is available at this station during the fire season.

The station on Highway 1 just south of The Sea Ranch Chapel is the “North Station,” and is staffed by Sea Ranch Fire as needed. Most volunteers report to this station when called out. Two Sea Ranch engines, a salvage truck and a utility truck are housed at the North Station. TSRVFD staff this station when Cal Fire personnel are called off-ranch, so that an immediate response is possible should a second call come in.

HELP WANTED! Position available for those who are willing to be awakened in early hours from sound sleep to run out of their homes in the most inclement weather, to face an hour or more of exhausting, hazardous, physically demanding labor in a heavily insulated, poorly ventilated, unfashionable outfit. Salary: None. Minimum Qualification: Good physical  condition, own transportation to central pickup point, willingness to learn, willingness to make a solid commitment to training and response, interest in serving The Sea Ranch in a non-political atmosphere. Signed permission of spouse helpful. Rewards: The satisfaction that comes from helping friends and neighbors, when help is needed most, and blowing the siren. Contact: THE SEA RANCH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Bureau, 785-2648