Announcements

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District is inviting applications for the position of: Emergency Preparedness Program Summer Intern The Moraga-Orinda Fire District Emergency Preparedness Program’s Summer Intern, under the direction of the District’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, performs a variety of activities including evaluating the District’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) hardware and software, developing and editing GIS data layers, and producing maps for various projects. The Intern may use the GIS to assist in the development of neighborhood evacuation plans by completing tasks such as evaluating ingress and egress routes, reviewing existing road networks and modeling potential fire behavior. The Summer Intern may be assigned special projects related to GIS and mapping as required. All applicants must fill out a Moraga-Orinda Fire District application and complete the Emergency Preparedness Program Summer Intern Supplemental Questionnaire... Full Story

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District is inviting applications for the position of: Fire District Aide The Fire District Aide is a non-exempt, part-time, non-benefited position under the direction of the Administrative Services Director or Assistant Fire Marshal. The duties of the position encompass a variety of activities including front-desk receptionist, administrative and clerical assignments, messenger, weed abatement, public and community education, hydrant checking, and special projects as required. Duties vary depending on the particular division assignment. All applicants must fill out a Moraga-Orinda Fire District application. Resumes may be attached to the application but will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. FILING DEADLINE: THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Application forms are located under Employment Opportunities (http://www.mofd.org/about/employment). Individuals wishing to apply must submit a District Employment Applicati.. Full Story

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, the Fire District held a public workshop to discuss the potential consolidation of Fire Station 43 and Fire Station 16. The following is the presentation that Fire Chief Randall Bradley presented at the workshop: Fire Station Consolidation Proposal (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=170198) Station 46 Travel Time During the presentation, there were questions concerning the validity of the computer models used to determine response times from the proposed Fire Station 46 location. Following is a video of a time trial that was used to validate the computer models: FS 46 Travel Time Test Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJ8OEvWIgA&feature=player_detailpage) This video validates the travel-time data produced by the District’s ARC Software. This software uses posted speed limits to estimate travel-times, which the MOFD is using to produce the maps associated with the proposed fire station relocation. This video was taken on .. Full Story

There have been a lot of discussion about the importance of fire stations being located in neighborhoods. The following video will help address these concerns: Neighborhood Fire Station Video (http://youtu.be/dT9k4GLxIeY).. Full Story

Effective Monday, January 14, 2013, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District Administrative Offices will be in a new location. Our new address will be: Moraga-Orinda Fire District (Station 41) 1280 Moraga Way Moraga, CA 94556 Once the move is complete, our phone number and contact email will remain the same but our fax number will change: Phone: (925) 258-4599 | Fax: (925) 376-1699 | Email: info@mofd.org Please feel free to contact us with any questions... Full Story

The major economic downturn that began in 2008 has decreased District property tax revenue, and significantly increased pension costs as well as the District’s pension Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liabilities (UAAL’s). Over the past two years, in order to maintain service levels, the District has had to utilize a small amount of reserve funds, reduce administrative staff by five full time positions, freeze salaries and health care benefits, renegotiate service contracts and put a new cost recovery program (vehicle accident cost recovery) in place. During this period the District has also been very aggressive in applying for and obtaining grants to offset capital equipment costs. As the District begins to stabilize and recover from the economic downturn a Long Range Financial Forecast/Plan that will maintain and increase public confidence by ensuring financial and service level sustainability is being planned and developed. At a Special Board meeting on Novemb.. Full Story

The MOFD learned with great sadness of the passing of CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Battalion Chief Rob Van Wormer on Sunday evening. Chief Van Wormer was well known within the MOFD, having been to many large fires in and around the State over the years. In recent years, he assisted the MOFD with fire investigations in his capacity as a law enforcement officer and fire investigator. Chief Van Wormer was in the District last week, assisting MOFD investigators with vegetation fires that had occurred the day before. Chief Van Wormer will be remembered as a very dedicated and successful member of the fire service; and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The MOFD has ordered its flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Chief Van Wormer... Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District Public Information Sheet Know the Facts: Ionization Smoke Detectors National TV Spot Slamming Ionization Detectors May Lead to Misinformation On September 3, 2012, a well-publicized media story narrowly focused on research in the smoldering fire environment, where ionization alarms are well-documented to react slower than photoelectric detectors. There was only a passing mention of the ionization detector’s performance in the flaming fire environment, where research shows it reacts faster than its counterpart. What the TV spot failed to mention is that National Fire Incident Reporting System data shows that 93 percent of all residential fires are flaming and that flaming fires account for 75 percent of residential fire deaths. Understanding Smoke Alarm Technologies Fires can have different characteristics. Some can flame and spread quickly while other fires may take more time to spread but produce more smoke. While types of fires.. Full Story

Are You Ready to ShakeOut? The 2012 Lamorinda ShakeOut is our local version of Great California ShakeOut. It's a series of special events featuring the largest earthquake drill ever, organized to inspire Californians to get ready for big earthquakes, and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards. The ShakeOut drill will occur in houses, businesses, and public spaces alike throughout California at 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012. If you take a few minutes to register; your family, neighborhood, business, school, or group can join the event. Free registration at www.ShakeOut.org/california/register (http://www.ShakeOut.org/california/register) to pledge you or your group’s participation in this important preparedness event. Participants will receive information on how to prepare for the inevitable major earthquake and what actions to take during and after the shaking... Full Story

On Tuesday, August 1, 2012, Fire Chief Bradley submitted an informational report to the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for inclusion in its August 8, 2012 regular meeting under Business Item 7. Fire Services - Discussion on Countywide Fire Service Issues and Challenges. The report was provided at the request of LAFCO and presents updated information regarding Moraga-Orinda Fire District's unique fire protection and EMS model for the communities of Moraga, Orinda and Canyon. Click here for a copy of the report: LAFCO Update (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=144398).. Full Story

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District is inviting applications for the position of: Payroll/ Human Resources Specialist. The Payroll/Human Resources Specialist is a full-time position in the Administrative Division that reports to the Administrative Services Director. The incumbent administers and processes the District’s bi-monthly payroll, statutory tax filings; administers benefits programs, oversees worker’s compensation claims and filings, coordinates pre-employment screening; assists employees regarding benefits, District policies, and practices; back-up front desk administrative support including answering phones, customer assistance and accounts receivable data input. All applicants must fill out a Moraga-Orinda Fire District application and complete the Payroll/Human Resources Specialist Supplemental Questionnaire. Resumes may be attached to the application but will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Any applications that are not accompa.. Full Story

Celebrate Orinda Night Out 9/20/2012 Rebecca Kunzman, Orinda Citizen Corps Council On Thursday, September 20th, from 5 - 8 p.m., Orinda is celebrating our 5th Orinda Night Out. Plan a party, a potluck, an ice cream social, a happy hour, a block party or a barbeque. Last year 33 neighborhoods sponsored 11 events. Don't miss this opportunity to get together with your neighbors and have fun and enjoy your community. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and a good time to get together and get to know your neighbors. This annual event will help you prevent crime and make your neighborhood safer in an emergency. Orindans are encouraged to collectively support each other, neighbor to neighbor, in planning and preparing for a disaster; get an Emergency Supply Kit, make a Family Emergency Plan, make a Neighborhood Communication Plan and get informed about emergencies and the appropriate response. Concrete, simple steps do make a difference. When you get involved wi.. Full Story

Fire Marshal Retires/Chief Requests Position Not To Be Filled On March 30, 2012, after 28 years in the Fire Service, Moraga-Orinda Fire District Fire Marshal Mike Mentink announced his retirement. Fire Marshal Mentink’ s career was divided between four fire departments. He started his career as a firefighter with the Sunnyvale Fire Department, later became a Fire Inspector with Redwood City, was the Deputy Fire Marshal for the San Ramon Valley Fire District and in 2008 became the Fire Marshal for the Moraga-Orinda Fire District. Fire Marshal Mentink reflected on his years in the Fire Service: “During my 28 years in the business I have had the opportunity to work for four fire agencies and I have always appreciated the dedication and professionalism of individuals who work in the fire service. Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement the past four years. Your efforts in public education and inspections have made a difference in this com.. Full Story

The summer months are approaching and once again it is time for our community to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. An important part of this preparation is the Moraga-Orinda Fire District notification to property owners of the need to abate weeds, rubbish, and dead or dying vegetation from the exterior of their properties. The Official Notice to Abate Weeds, Dead or Dying Vegetation, and /or Rubbish was mailed out on April 13, 2012. The mailing contained a cover letter, which explained the official notification, the official notification letter and MOFD's Exterior Hazard Control Standards. It is important to reemphasize that the letters are for notification and information only. They are not meant to accuse or imply that vegetation maintenance requirements have not been met. Also included in the mailing is the Exterior Hazard Control Standards. Please carefully review all the requirements. The required distance for defensible space shall be 100 feet for all pro.. Full Story

On Tuesday, January 24, Dianne Wilson of Moraga Royale, presented Rescue One Foundation President, Greg Reams, with a donation of $2,000, the proceeds of their annual "Festival of Trees" silent auction fundraiser. Each year, Moraga Royale sponsors the Festival of Trees event to benefit Rescue One, a non-profit organization dedicated to the Moraga-Orinda Fire District and emergency medical services in the Moraga and Orinda area. The trees are provided by Moraga Royale and decorated by local businesses, organizations and residents. The themed trees and accompanying gift packages were purchased through a silent auction that ended on December 15, 2011. "The Rescue One Foundation has been an invaluable benefit to the District and has donated funds for the District to purchase life-saving equipment for use by our firefighters" Said MOFD Fire Chief Randall Bradley, "and support of the community and organizations like Moraga Royale helps Rescue One continue their good works." In.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire Chief Randy Bradley has been appointed by the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Board of Directors to a three-year term on NFPA's Standards Council. The thirteen member Council's primary function is to oversee the Association's codes and standards development activities and the regulations governing Committee projects. The Council also ensures that due process and fairness are upheld throughout the creation or revision of all NFPA codes and standards. Bradley holds a Master's Degree from the University of Southern California and has completed the Executive Fire Officer's program at the National Fire Academy. For the past ten years Chief Bradley has chaired NFPA's Forrest and Rural Fire Protection technical committee that develops codes and standards for the Wildland Urban Interface and rural areas with limited fire protection services. NFPA was established in 1896 and their primary mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other .. Full Story

Effective immediately, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District will hold its Board of Directors Meetings on the Third Wednesday evening of each month at the Moraga Library, located at 1500 St. Mary's Road in Moraga. This change in location is because the Districts' current administrative facilities do not conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Stephen Healy (925) 258-4512; (925) 260-6360 Release Date: January 13, 2012.. Full Story