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Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Chief Randy Bradley 925-260-4500 Release Date: May 20, 2013 ORINDA - On Monday, May 20, 2013, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a 4-Alarm, fast spreading vegetation fire in Orinda. The fire was reported at 1:24 p.m. with structures threatened briefly on Descanso Drive and Donald Drive. Firefighters were able to gain the upper hand with air support from CalFire. An estimated 10 acres charred the hills of Orinda. Firefighters controlled the fire at 2:51 p.m. Firefighters will remain on scene patrolling for hot spots. Additional firefighters will return in the morning to extinguish remaining smoldering embers. A total of 90 personnel from MOFD, Contra Costa County Fire, CalFire, East Bay Regional Park Fire, Orinda and Moraga Police responded to the scene. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation... Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 1280 Moraga Way Moraga, CA 94556 Contact: Randall Bradley (925) 258-4599 Release Date: May 15, 2013 Weed Abatement deadline is June 15 Moraga – The annual deadline for property owners to complete the required weed abatement is June 15, 2013. In April, a Firewise postcard containing a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) safety checklist and a reminder of the June 15, 2013 weed abatement deadline was mailed to each property owner. On May 10, 2013, a notice was mailed to all property owners who live in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which is defined by geography, vegetative fuel type and weather conditions. The Exterior Hazard Control Standards and Firewise Safety Checklist were included with the notice. After the June 15 deadline, you may file a complaint by calling 925-258-4525, ext. 524. This year, homeowners can learn how to share the responsibility for wildfire safety through a new program called Firewise... Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Stephen Healy, Division Chief 925-260-6360 Release Date: February 5, 2013 ORINDA, CA – On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a vehicle accident on Moraga Way, near Stein Way in Orinda. The accident was reported at 2:23 in the afternoon. Firefighters arrived quickly and found a vehicle, which had struck a tree as it left the roadway and then plunged into the creek bed. The driver was extricated by firefighters and then taken by MOFD Paramedics to a local trauma center with moderate injuries. Personnel from MOFD and Orinda PD responded to the scene. The cause of the accident is under investigation by Orinda PD. .. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Randall Bradley, Fire Chief, 925-258-4599 Release Date: 12/27/2012 ORINDA- The Moraga Orinda Fire District received a 911 call for a carbon monoxide detector alarm at a condominium on Brookwood Road in Orinda. Upon arrival, firefighters found two individuals waiting outside their residence and experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The couple was treated and transported to a local hospital for observation. An investigation revealed a faulty wall heater was the source of the carbon monoxide and was also determined to be a significant fire hazard. Moraga-Orinda Fire District is working with the Brookwood Condominium Homeowners Association and Contra Costa Building Department to advise residents in the condominium complex to have their heaters inspected. As of July 1, 2011, all California homeowners are required to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon mo.. Full Story

Informational Summary Report of Serious Injury Accident While on scene of a vehicle accident on State Route 24, three MOFD firefighters were seriously injured and one civilian was critically injured when they were stuck by an oncoming vehicle. The three firefighters have been released from the hospital and are recovering from their injuries. The civilian remains in the hospital. Below is a link to the “Green Sheet”, which was released by the District as a preliminary report. A comprehensive incident review by an independent consultant and a team of fire service professionals is in progress and that report will be issued within sixty days. The comprehensive review will analyze all aspects of the incident with a primary focus on safety, policies, procedures and organizational processes. Click here for a copy of the preliminary report: Green Sheet (/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=161052).. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Chief Bradley, 925-258-4599 Release Date: 12/15/2012 ORINDA- Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a residential structure fire on the 100 Block of Claremont Ave at 1:07 a.m. On arrival, fire crews found the family outside the structure with light smoke coming from the front door and were informed a fire extinguisher was used to partially extinguish a fire in a bedroom on the lower floor of the home. Firefighters quickly located, contained and extinguished the remaining fire and remained on scene removing the smoke from the interior rooms of the residence. There were no operating smoke detectors in the home. The smoke detectors had recently been removed to change batteries and were never reinstalled. Nineteen personnel from Moraga-Orinda Fire District and Contra Costa Fire District responded to the scene. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Morag.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Randy Bradley, Fire Chief, 925-260-4045 Release Date: December 2, 2012 Orinda, CA – On Sunday, December 2, 2012, at approximately 9:25 a.m. the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a non-injury vehicle accident on Highway 24 east of Wilder Road exit in Orinda. While investigating the accident the MOFD fire engine was struck by a car that failed to stop due to extensive rain. This was also a non-injury accident with minor damage to both vehicles. While the firefighters were standing off the shoulder of the highway interviewing the driver, another vehicle lost control, struck the side of the fire engine and rolled into the three firefighters and the driver of the first vehicle. All three of the firefighters were transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek where they are in serious but stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. Two of the firefighters will require surgery. T.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Randy Bradley, Fire Chief, 925-258-4599 Release Date: November 30, 2012 Orinda, CA – On Sunday, November 25, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a residential structure fire at 28 El Gavilan Rd in Orinda. A neighbor was the first to report the fire using her home phone at 6:36 a.m. The first due fire engines were reassigned from another incident and dispatched at 6:39 a.m. and arrived on scene at 6:45 a.m. There was a short delay (two minutes) in dispatch due to the time it took to reassign the engines from the previous incident. When fire fighters arrived on scene, they found a two-story single-family residence heavily involved in fire. The fire originated on the ground floor exterior wooden deck, burned through a large picture window and raced up an interior stairwell when the crackling and the glow of the flames awakened the sleeping residents. When the first fire engines.. Full Story

ORINDA, CA - On Wednesday evening the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) held workshops to assist new Board Members in their roles as elected officials and to present the District’s Draft Long Range Financial Forecast. The meeting also included an announcement by MOFD Board President Fred Weil that labor negotiations with Firefighters Local 1230 were placed on hold until the spring of 2013. After the Board emerged from closed session, President Weil made the following announcement: “The recent passage of pension reform legislation prompted the District to suggest a negotiations “time out” to evaluate the pension reform impact on the District’s labor contracts. We believe that a negotiated contract is preferable to imposing terms and conditions of employment. However, for many reasons, after diligent good faith negotiations by both sides over a period of nearly 2 years, the District and 1230 could not reach an agreement that, in the judgment of the.. Full Story

By Carol Yates, Public Information Officer for the CERT Drill The Great Shakeout in Lamorinda concluded on Saturday, October 20, 2012 with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Drill at Donald Rheem Elementary School in Moraga. CERT members are volunteers from the community who have completed special training that prepares them to be of immediate help in the event of a major disaster. The Drill was designed to provide experience in the critical areas in which volunteers have been trained such as triage, emergency medical, light search and rescue to be used in the event that a disaster overwhelms our professional emergency services. Nearly 100 participants gathered for the CERT exercise. The earthquake scenario gave an opportunity for CERT members to be joined by local and regional resources to conduct operations that would integrate volunteers with law, fire, and federal operations. Moraga Police Chief Robert Priebe, Lafayette Police Chief Eric Christensen, and Mo.. Full Story

ORINDA, CA – On Sunday, November 11, 2012 the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) responded to a structure fire on Camino Encinas in Orinda. The fire was reported at 6:16 in the morning. MOFD fire fighters arrived to find a fire in the attic space of the residence. The MOFD deployed four engines, one truck, one ambulance and one chief officer. A quick response and aggressive fire attack by 17 firefighters helped extinguish the fire and prevented the fire from spreading. Crews remained on scene to perform overhaul and provided assistance to the displaced family. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Contact Battalion Chief Jerry Lee for further information at 925-258-4514... Full Story

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District marked the end of Fire Prevention week with an Open House and Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. MOFD partnered with 14 organizations and local agencies to provide information and education to Moraga and Orinda residents on fire prevention, safety and general disaster preparedness. Over 350 people turned out for the open house and the Moraga Lions and MOFD raised over $1200 for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. Participating in the event were 60 volunteers, which included representatives from the Rescue One Foundation, Moraga Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness (MNEP) Committee, the Orinda Community Corp Council (OCCC), the Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD), Contra Costa Community Warning System (CAER), Contra Costa County Medical Reserve Corps, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Red Cross, CalFire, Diablo Fire Safe Council, New York Lif.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Stephen Healy, Division Chief 925-258-4512 Release Date: October 17, 2012 ORINDA, CA – On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) responded to vegetation fire in a wooded area near Moraga Way and Hall Drive in Orinda. The fire was reported at 3:33 in the afternoon and when fire fighters arrived, they found trees and dried grasses on fire. The fire was located adjacent to several homes on Casa Reale (Street), which were briefly threatened. The MOFD deployed all five of its engines, a water tender, an ambulance, and four chief officers to the scene. An aggressive fire attack by 21 MOFD firefighters and command staff controlled the fire in about 24 minutes. Mutual aid resources from Contra Costa County Fire, East Bay Regional Parks, and CAL Fire responded but were cancelled or used to cover MOFD Stations once the fire was contained. Crews remained on scene for.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Randall Bradley 925-258-4599 Release Date: October 1, 2012 Moraga-Orinda Fire District Concerned with Risk of Wildfire ORINDA, CA – The Moraga-Orinda Fire District would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that prolonged periods without rain, very low relative humidity, north-easterly winds, and very high temperatures have significantly increased the risk of wildfire. Residents are advised to avoid open flames with barbeques and exercise extra caution while mowing weeds or using power tools outside. Defensible space around your home will significantly increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. As a precaution, the Fire District has increased its on-duty staffing by adding an additional wildland engine company today and Tuesday... Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Randall Bradley, Fire Chief 925-258-4599 Release Date: October 1, 2012 MOFD Fire Station Plans Approved by Orinda Planning Commission Orinda, CA - On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the Orinda Planning Commission approved the Moraga-Orinda Fire District's site plan and architectural design for the replacement of Fire Station 43, which is located at 20 Via Las Cruces in Orinda. The current 60 year-old fire station does not meet seismic requirements, lacks the space needed to accommodate modern fire apparatus, and was not designed to accommodate a multi-gender workforce. The Planning Commission was very complimentary and commended the Fire District on the overall fire station design. The District worked with residents who live in the area to ensure the design complemented the neighborhood and operational requirements did not have any negative impacts. With unanimous approval, the Planning Comm.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Stephen Healy, Division Chief 925-260-6360 Release Date: September 20, 2012 ORINDA, CA – On Monday, September 10, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a vegetation fire in a wooded area behind Snow Court in Orinda. The fire was reported at 3:36 in the afternoon and when fire fighters arrived, they found thick vegetation and dried grasses on fire. The fire was located several hundred yards uphill from the homes, which were never threatened. An aggressive fire attack by firefighters controlled the fire in about 72 minutes. Personnel from MOFD, Contra Costa County Fire, East Bay Regional Parks, and CAL Fire responded to the scene. One MOFD firefighter suffered a minor injury while fighting the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. .. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Fire Prevention Fee July 2012 - Cal Fire has begun mailing out, statewide, the first of a new annual Fire Prevention Fee to pay for fire prevention services within the State Responsibility Area (SRA). This new fee was enacted following the signing of Assembly Bill X1 29 in July 2011, making it state law. The fee applies to all habitable structures within the SRA. According to Cal Fire, this fee will fund a variety of important state fire prevention services within the SRA including brush clearance and activities to improve forest health to withstand wildfire. MOFD estimates approximately 100 homes in the Fire District may be affected by this new fee. Those homes are within the District boundaries but not within the City or Town limits of Orinda or Moraga. The fee is levied at the rate of $150 per home. A $35 reduction will be applied to all homes within the boundaries of a local fire protection agency acc.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Jerry Lee, Battalion Chief (925) 698-4514 Canyon, CA – During the month of July, members of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District will be participating in a series of training exercises in the community of Canyon. Access and egress to the homes and water supply to the fire engines are challenges firefighters face in the community of Canyon; much like many areas within the jurisdiction of the Fire District. For this reason, MOFD firefighters are simulating emergency scenarios in the community utilizing the District’s water tender vehicle, containing 2500 gallons of water, along with the community’s static water tank. “The training exercises have been going exceptionally well. Our fire crews continue to build on new ideas. It is very exciting!” Division Chief Stephen Healy stated. All 57 members of MOFD will have the opportunity to participate in this training exercise t.. Full Story

Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Jerry Lee, Battalion Chief, (925) 698-4514 MORAGA, CA – On Friday, June 31, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District took delivery of a 4 1/2–story Mobile Training Tower (MTT). The $234,500 corrugated steel training tower, manufactured by Riverside Metal Craft in Hawkinsville, GA., was funded by a FEMA grant with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The self-contained tower is mounted on a semi-tractor and can be raised and lowered in less than 15 minutes. Acknowledging the concern for the aesthetics of a fire training tower in the community, MOFD specifically requested the MTT for its ability to be raised for training exercises and then lowered for storage. Since the formation of the Fire District in 1997, MOFD has needed a safe and adequate training facility within the boundaries of the District. The MTT will now allow fire companies to .. Full Story

MORAGA, CA – On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District’s (MOFD) Board of Directors approved the 2012/13 preliminary General fund and Capital Projects fund budgets. During the meeting, the Board systematically asked staff detailed questions concerning budget line items with a particular focus on cost savings while ensuring the health and safety of firefighters and the public were not compromised. After the thorough review and additional comments from the public and the Directors, the Board voted unanimously for a preliminary budget that requires the use of $957,230 from the District’s General fund reserves. In passing the preliminary budget, the Board expressed extreme concern about the reduction in reserves and the potential impact of further property tax losses and pension cost increases. Director Frank Sperling began the discussion by questioning the replacement of Fire Station 43 if the Districts financial condition does not improve... Full Story

MORAGA, CA – On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a residential structure fire at 142 Ascot Court in Moraga. A resident reported the fire at 4:44 in the afternoon and when fire fighters arrived, they found a two-story multi-family dwelling on fire. An aggressive fire attack by firefighters saved the housing units and controlled the fire in about 30 minutes. A total 23 personnel from MOFD and Contra Costa County Fire responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation... Full Story

Edward L. Lucas May 14,1936-June 11,2012 A 48 Year Resident of Moraga A lifelong resident of the Lamorinda area, Ed Lucas, 76, died Monday June 11th following an extended illness. Ed was born to Daniel and Eugenia Davilla Lucas on May 14, 1936; he spent his entire childhood in Orinda and attended Acalanes High School. In 1959 he joined the then Eastern Contra Costa County Fire Protection District stationed in Moraga. He was a fire inspector, later a Captain, then an Assistant Chief of the Moraga Fire Department, and in 1986 he became the department's chief. He retired in 1992 following heart surgery the previous year. He loved being a firefighter and especially enjoyed living in his Town of Moraga since 1964. He leaves his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Carole, along with his beloved children, Greg and partner Cindy Jarvis of Danville, Greg's two daughters, Ashlee Lucas and her fianc#233; Dane Blom of Roseville and Chelsea Lucas of Walnut Creek; his daughter, Din.. Full Story

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a vegetation fire on Rae Drive in Orinda. Firefighters arriving on scene found a grass fire on the hillside behind a home that was rapidly spreading toward the homes above. The firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire prior to it reaching or threatening homes. Nineteen Firefighters from MOFD responded to the incident on five engines, one ambulance and two command vehicles. No injuries were reported. The fire consumed about half an acre. According to the homeowner, the fire was caused by heat and sparks from their motorized weed whacker. MOFD spokesman, Captain Jerry Lee cautioned homeowners to take extra care when working with spark and heat producing tools, such as lawnmowers and weed whackers during the hot summer months. Grass and brush are extremely dry and will ignite easily. He also noted that it is extremely important to perform exterior hazard abat.. Full Story

At a special Moraga-Orinda Fire District Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, the Fire Chief presented the Fire District’s “Draft” Preliminary Budget for the Directors’ review, comment and recommendations. During the presentation the Fire Chief identified the primary reason for the fourth year of cost increases is the due to the continued escalation of retirement costs. The Fire District belongs to the Contra Costa County Employee Retirement System (CCCERA). Due to the economic downturn that began in 2008 and CCCERA’s decision to “de-pool” member agencies, the pension cost to the District has continued to escalate. “In fiscal year 2012/13, MOFD’s pension costs will have increased by $1.4 million annually (since 2008/09) and are projected to increase another $500,000 in 2013/14,” the Chief stated as he walked the Board and the public through the challenging budget projections. “In the past three.. Full Story

The Chiefs of Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette Police Departments, with support from Chief Bradley of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, have agreed to share resources to address traffic safety this summer. The “Slow Down Lamorinda” program was initiated in 2007 by then Moraga Mayor Mike Metcalf in reaction to two fatal collisions involving juvenile drivers. The program was a great success and Mayor Metcalf listed the program as a Town Council goal this year. One day each week, police from all three departments will saturate areas of concern within one city, and rotate among the cities weekly. The goal of the program is not to issue hundreds of citations, but to increase traffic safety awareness by targeting speed, distracted driving, and other violations. Banners will be displayed at local Fire Stations and free bumper stickers will be available at police and fire stations. The program will begin on June 1 and continue through August 31. All Lamorinda residents ar.. Full Story

On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a residential structure fire at 70 Jean Court, Moraga. A resident reported the fire at 9:29 in the evening and when fire fighters arrived, they found a fire in an attached garage of the two story single-family dwelling. An aggressive fire attack by firefighters had the fire under control in about 18 minutes. A total 20 personnel from MOFD and Contra Costa County Fire responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire District personnel estimated fire damage at $5,000 to the property and $55,000 in content loss. Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, CA 94563 Contact: Stephen Healy (925) 258-4512; (925) 260-6360 Release Date: January 12, 2012.. Full Story

Last night at 11:36 PM, firefighters from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District responded to a reported chimney fire in a residence in the 1900 block of Joseph Drive in Moraga. When they arrived at the scene they saw fire coming from the roof. They made an aggressive attack to stop the spread of fire and contain it to the master bedroom. The fire was extinguished by 12:07. Residents reported they awoke to the smell of smoke, but only saw a light haze. As they investigated, they saw flames around the chimney outside of the structure and evacuated the rest of the family. The efforts of twenty-two firefighters from MOFD and Contra Costa County Fire Departments contained to the area of origin. Firefighters treated one civilian for smoke inhalation at the scene. Fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage. Cause of the fire is under investigation. For additional information contact Division Chief Darrell Lee at (925) 258-4513. Moraga-Orinda Fire District 33 Orinda Way Orinda, .. Full Story