Auxiliary

Rest In Peace Captain Kreza. Our sincere condolences to your wife and children and to your Costa Mesa Fire family.

RSVP today for Girls’ Fire Camp. VCFD is excited to launch a new two-day experience designed to share what it’s like to be a firefighter for young women, ages 1...4 to 18. Featuring fun, hands-on activities, the camp is FREE and open to all genders. Space is limited. Learn more: vcfd.org/girlsfirecamp See more

Babysitting classes brought to you by the VCFD! This is open to the public so please spread the word! Still filling spots for this week’s class.

Continuing to assist @santabarbaracountyfire with search, rescue & recovery efforts in #Montecito. Heartbreaking to see devastation caused by heavy rain & mudflow. Proud to be part of an army of local & regional firefighters & first responders helping the community.

Thomas Fire: Looking for information related to recent Ventura County fires? Visit www.VCFD.org for a link to resource information. Earlier today, CAL FIRE tra...nsferred command to California Interagency Incident Management Team 3. All current fire updates can be found on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5670. See more

#ThomasFire. Even as we work aggressively to contain the Thomas Fire, we wish you and your family a blessed and safe holiday. Season’s greetings!

Thank you for the outpouring of support and kind words on social media. We would like to share two ways people may support Cory Iverson's family. First, is the ...San Diego County Firefighters Benevolent Fund visit WWW.L2881SD.ORG Second, a Go Fund Me page has been established by the family. https://www.gofundme.com/nmkkc-for-ashley-iverson-and-her-g #CoryIverson #calfiresandiego See more

Firefighters on the Thomas fire will be improving and mopping up the Fireline in the Fillmore area. Fire in the Bear Willow area and the Day fire footprint will... remain in monitor status. In the north, direct line construction will continue within the Zaca fire footprint, tying in to Highway 33. From Highway 33 indirect line construction for future firing operations will continue to the north of Matilija wilderness, towards Rose Valley. Utility companies continue to assess and mitigate infrastructure that was damage from the fire so citizens can safely return to those affected areas. See more

On behalf of CalFire Chief Pimlott we are saddened to report that a firefighter fatality from the CalFire San Diego Unit occurred on the Thomas Incident today. Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to this firefighter, his family and all of our CalFire brothers and sisters and family as they mourn this sad loss. Our prayers go out to all of the fire personnel continuing to fight the Thomas Fire. And many thanks to those firefighters who have come from near and far to help fight this battle.

The Firefighter Open House scheduled for December 11 has been cancelled due to the Thomas fire. The next Open House is scheduled for January 6. Updates can be found on the calendar at www.vcfd.org.

For those of you, or your friends and families, who have asked about making donations, this is what we have in place so far; For monetary donations specifically to assist the VCFD families that have lost homes, please access the link below. It directs you to our PayPal link which is housed on the VCPFA website. You can feel free to post this link on your personal social media pages, and distribute to friends and family who want to donate money. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin.../webscr For donations of household items and clothing, we have not had the request from our VCFD families just yet. If we get a request in the future, we will let you know immediately. If you know them, you should feel comfortable offering to bring over a meal. Or, maybe they are waiting for funds from their insurance company? Perhaps a Target gift card would be appropriate so they can get some bare essentials? There is a Ventura city native who has taken it upon herself to start a group who is actively collecting donations of food, clothing, furniture, etc, and distributing to the citizens of Ventura who have lost homes. They are currently taking those donations to the evacuation shelters, United Way, churches, and trying to get out directly to community members in need. You can access their information at www.ventura-strong.com . Please note that this organization is not connected with the VCFD or the Auxiliary and we cannot answer questions about their group. Last, for those who want to get food and water to firefighters, it's best to go to your local fire stations, whether VCFD, Ventura City, or elsewhere. Every department is busy right now, so all will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

We want to give a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contacted us about wanting to donate items for those VCFD family members who have lost their homes & belongings to the Thomas Fire. It is all so greatly appreciated!! Please understand we can not accept those donations at the moment. We are currently working with the Department to coordinate our efforts...a central drop-off location, volunteers, delivery logistics, etc. and as soon as this is all determined we wil...l let you know. In the meantime, we ask that you please hang onto your items. Note, we have heard of several people taking items (not food/money) to the Red Cross shelter at the County Fairgrounds and being turned away as the Red Cross, etc. can not take personal items. Additionally, we hope to have information soon regarding a link to PayPal on our AWOAF website to possibly accept monetary donations. We will keep you posted as the information becomes available. Prayers to our family members who have lost their homes and to those that have been displaced. Prayers to our Firefighters who have been working feverishly day & night to get a handle on this fire. Prayers to our dispatchers and all of our VCFD personnel who have been working tirelessly to keep things working. We know they are all exhausted and we look forward to having them all home safe & sound with their families soon.

This last Sunday the First Annual Trunk or Treat event was hosted by Auxiliary - Ventura County Fire Dept. Widows, Orphans & Assistance Fund for employees of VC...FD and their families. The event was a HUGE success with 30 families and over 100 children enjoying the safe, family environment with tons of candy, costumes and music. The Auxillary is a privately funded non-profit existing to provide assistance to all VCFD employees and their families. Thank you for all you do! See more

Join us for fire prevention tips and pancakes! Hope to see you there!

Fun for the whole family!! The proceeds from the weekend's gate admissions will help benefit The Ventura County Sheriff's Explorers Program, VCSO Foundation & Search and Rescue Groups, Thousand Oaks Volunteers in Policing & Disaster Response Team (DART), and The Ventura County Fire Department's Charity Groups. It will be filled with demonstrations including Fire Trucks, Ambulances, members of the Bomb Squad with their bomb robot, Swat members with SWAT tank type vehicle, Search and Rescue Snow Cat, K-9 Demonstrations, Disaster Action, Response Team display (DART), Police Car, Police Motorcycle, Search and Rescue Displays, a Dozer plus MUCH, MUCH more!

Our prayers to the family and co-workers of Firefighter Wong. May he Rest In Peace.

Ventura County CERT will be hosting our annual refresher on June 10, 2017. Please follow the signup proceedures on the attached flyer. See you there

The risk of wildfire is here. Are you #ReadySetGo? http://ow.ly/jzzL306bJEV Saturday May 6th is National Wildfire Preparedness Day. Encourage your friends & n...eighbors to clear away vegetation and create a defensible space in your community. During a brush fire, this space allows a fire to pass through without spreading to the home. This space also provides you more time to evacuate during a fire event. See more

#VCFD bike aid/work station at our Malibu fire station 56 on PCH has been installed. On the left of the photo is an air pump to fill tires, in the middle is a ...tall rack to hang a bike on with tools secured and hanging on the inside of the rack. On the backside is a spot to stand a bike up by the wheel, these racks are going in around select county fire stations and installs should be complete at all locations by next week. See more

Take 5 minutes to read to your kids each day. Thanks First 5 Ventura for letting us share story time with these local students. #take5VC (Photo: Chief Lorenzen reads to preschoolers, Moorpark firefighters at Flory school)

Warm weather brings more than fire season, it is also "snake season". A man was bitten by a rattlesnake earlier today in the Ojai area and airlifted to the hospital. Please be aware of your surroundings, especially when in the brush area or on trails in the hills.

911 dispatchers... this thanks goes out to you! #VCFD Chief Mark Lorenzen weighs in on the important work public safety dispatchers do year round. #NPSTW2017 Ventura County Fire Regional 911 Center

#VCFD Public Safety Dispatchers deliver "Thank You Baskets" to our local Law Enforcement dispatch centers to kick off "National Public Safety Dispatcher/Telecom...municator Appreciation Week". When a 911 call is dialed a Dispatcher will be the first point of contact for a person in need. They are highly trained and very professional and we are proud of our 28 Dispatchers and 6 Supervisors at #VCFD Fire Communication Center. We will be highlighting our PSD's throughout the week, so please keep following us here on Facebook. See more

New Rescue equipment for #VCFD Pictured here is part of the new complement of "Rescue Air Bags" carried by our Ladder Trucks and Rescue Squads. These can be us...ed to help stablize and/or lift vehicles involved in accidents. They can also be used to lift or stabilize heavy objects when involved in an emergency, such as a piece of collapsed building. The new airbags can be stacked giving greater lift capabilities and are an upgrade from the ones carried on our Apparatus for many years now. As always we strive to give our best to the wonderful citizens we serve here in Ventura County!! See more

Join #VCFD at the April 13 Blood Drive at the corner of Airport Way and Durley Ave on the Camarillo Airport grounds! To register, go to www.blood4life.org and ...use sponsor code 8425, or email [email protected]. Pictured: Deputy Chief Vaughan Miller, enjoying his donation time; VCFD staff members Faron Bowman, Darlene Herrera and Kolina MacRury, resting after their donation; the United Blood Services Bloodmobile.

On behalf of our brothers and sisters in the fire service, thank you Division Chief Norm Plott for 38 years of truly amazing dedication, service, and leadership.... Norm was a good man with a big heart and had a work ethic that was second to none. He set the standard for customer service and left the organization better than he found it. Congratulations on your retirement, Norm, and may your next chapter be full of amazing adventures.

Salute to all our #VCFD Captains who protect our communities. They never stop learning, refining, growing, adapting & leading the next generation. Photos: Dione Kollee

We will answer any call for help... even for little duckies. Here's a look at your #VCFD Station 34 rescuing two baby ducks from a drain in Thousand Oaks. Thanks Cpt Cleary, Engineer Brad Peters and FF Ryan Coccia.

Good morning Ventura County. Wherever we go, whatever we do, your #VCFD is ready to respond for you. Photos courtesy of photographers Dione Kolle, Firecom451, Greg Cooper, Chris Bosworth.

#ClimbConquerCure. Team VCFD climbs 69 floors, 1311 steps & ascends 788 feet to raise money in the fight against leukemia & lymphoma! Way to go team! Photo: Jeff Golden, Peter Botz, Nick Cleary, former VCFD Coer D'Alene, Greg Thaxton & race coordinator Scott Robinson.

#SafetyTip: Press the button & listen for the beep. It's that easy to check your smoke alarm. With daylight savings around the corner on Sunday, 3/12, Station 35 in Newbury Park wants to remind you to check your smoke alarms and change the batteries. https://goo.gl/FB2W1N

#OntheJob: High school students gain exposure to fire service profession in #VCFD Cadet Program. Learn more: https://goo.gl/eDYoRO Photo Courtesy of Dione Kollee.

Meet your 2017 heroes of the year! Last night, VCFD honored 20 people for going above and beyond to serve & help others. https://goo.gl/Fu7IFL The 21st annual a...wards ceremony recognized 6 people with lifesaving medals as well as honored #VCFD dispatcher, employees, firefighters + company the year. See more

Earlier today, Vandenberg Air Force Base launched a rocket dedicated to #VCFD fallen Engineer Ryan Osler. Read more : https://goo.gl/zTctP7 Ventura County Star.... We are incredibly moved by this honor! The "Atlas V" rocket took off into the sky at 9:49AM carrying a spy satellite for the U.S. Department of Defense. Link to launch feed: https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/17/av066_journal/

Sunday March 12th begins the new Daylight Savings time for 2017, hard to believe it is just around the corner. Ventura County Fire Department would like to rem...ind everyone that when you change your clocks....change the batteries in your smoke detector too!! This assures good, fresh batteries are in your detector and that it works when and if you need it to save your life!!! Stay alert Stay alive See more

A swiftwater rescue team of 14 trained #VCFD firefighters are in #Merced County, as part of mutual aid support at the request the Governor's Office of Emergenc...y Services (Cal OES). Earlier today, #VCFD joined #LAFD & Merced County Fire/OES in training closely together today in various water rescue techniques. Read more: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/ne/local/article134063054.html

It was a busy day for your #VCFD with lots of flooding & public service calls. Thanks for your patience, cooperation & teamwork in preparing for storms. We are ...proud to be your #VCFD Never too late to make a plan, have a kit & be prepared. For closure, evacuation, shelter or related #CAStorm updates, visit VCemergency.com. For rain ready tips, visit vcfd.org.

Today: Your #VCFD activated its Department Operations Center + staffed an additional 60+ people to support field operations for today’s #CAstorm. Check or these... prep & plan storm safety tips: - Ready for rain info: https://goo.gl/1l2II1 - Download a flood plan kit: https://goo.gl/ul8XFG. - Emergency Alerts: Text VCALERT to 313131 to receive urgent notifications. Visit www.vcalert.org for more information. - Driving Tips: Slow down & be extra cautious. Water depth can be deceiving so avoid pooling water & flooded raods #TurnAroundDontDrown - Sandbags: Free supplies @ #VCFD stations. Call (805) 371-1111, then dial the extension of your local fire station, i.e. #34. Check-in with your #VCFD & Ready Ventura County for important updates.

The much anticipated storm has arrived here in Ventura County with a good amount of rain falling. Ojai is predicted to take the brunt of this particular storm,... but our entire county is being affected. Please remember to slow down while driving, your car can start to hydroplane at around 50 miles per hour. If you are in need of sandbags they are available at no cost at your local fire station, call ahead for availability at (805) 371-1111 and the extension is your fire station number, for example 34. Also remember that waterways become treacherous in heavy down pours and can be impossible to cross in your vehicle, so turn around and don't drown. #VCFD See more

The storm is coming. A local Camarillo resident stopped by #VCFD Station 54 on Pickwick Drive this morning to grab a couple of sandbags in preparation for heavy... rains predicted to hit on Friday. Early prep is always better than dealing with an emergency. For sandbags, visit your local station to pick up free supplies. They can also be purchased at your local hardware retailer. Our Firefighters are happy to help if they are available, but please be prepared to fill bags as this gentleman helped do. For supplies, please call the station serving your neighborhood at (805) 371-1111, extension = number of your fire station....for example 54. If you need tips on how to properly install your sandbags, check out this video at https://goo.gl/g1H1Bo #VCFD

News Story: #VCFD's swift water rescue teams stand ready for any call for help, including those from other agencies. Watch how our crews are ready to aid in Oroville if needed. KEYT NewsChannel 3 http://www.keyt.com//ventura-county-fire-crews-o/332551498

Fire on ice! The Ventura County Fire Dept. and Oxnard Fire Dept. hockey clubs joined forces today in a charity ice hockey game benefiting special needs hockey.... Team Fire faced off against the California Condors in the 3rd annual Fire vs. Condors charity game at Iceoplex in Simi Valley. Thank you to those who came out to support a great cause. Ventura County Fire Department Oxnard Fire Department Ventura County Fire Dept Hockey Club Oxnard Fire Hockey Club Ventura County Professional Firefighters' Association - IAFF Local 1364 Oxnard Firefighters IAFF Local 1684 California Condors Special Needs Hockey Club See more

#ThrowbackThursday-The 1972 #VCFD Annual Report from Battalion 3 reported on the change of color for our apparatus from red to yellow.

The Ventura County Animal Services conducts dog and cat vaccination clinics at some of our fire stations throughout the year. Last night, VCFD's Fire Station 53 in Port Hueneme was happy to host this event and assist our four-legged friends.

Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest eating day of the year, behind Thanksgiving! So what does everyone docook & bake! Here’s what you need to know: Keep th...ese basic cooking fire safety tips from NFPA in mind when preparing for the big game: Keep an eye on what you fry Be alert when cooking Keep things that can catch fire away from cooking area More info at NFPA: https://goo.gl/8ua0ek See more

Have you restocked your emergency kit? After a storm, it's important to replenish your home & car with these supplies: https://goo.gl/O6Ic2V Make sure everyone in your home is prepared & don't forget to plan for your pets! #ReadySetGo!

Earlier today, firefighters from Station 50 assisted a family who was stranded in a flooded intersection on Pleasant Valley Road in Camarillo. Please don't drive through flowing water & avoid travel if possible. Several roads are flooded & closed. www.vcemergency.com.

Need #CAStorm updates? Visit www.vcemergency.com for current road closures, evacuations & shelters open in Ventura County. Here's a current map of road closures as of 1:30pm. Road closures in effect for Camarillo, Oxnard + Simi Valley.

Storm watch: On Wednesday evening, serious flood concerns are possible with next 6 day #CAstorm. For more weather details visit: go.usa.gov/x9mYS For sand or ba...gs, go to your local #VCFD fire station. Call ahead for supplies at (805) 371-1111. Please be prepared to fill & load them. Watch https://goo.gl/n2FBQT to learn how to fill & place them. See more

The final totals are in, December 10, 2016 the Ventura County Firefighters raised 66,140.22 at four different locations for MDA! On behalf of our entire fire department family we thank the public for their generosity.

Volunteers needed on Saturday for #MLK Day of Service. Join the #HomeFireCampaign & help install smoke alarms with the American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter. Sign up here: goo.gl/awTQ4o #firesaftey

Do you need sand & bags? Supplies are available at #VCFD fire stations. Please call ahead & be prepared to fill & load them: (805) 371-1111. Watch https://goo.gl/n2FBQT to learn how to fill & place them so they divert moving water + redirect storm and debris flow away from properties.

Trust is an important part of our job. After weeks of training, #Academy53 firefighter trainees take a leap of faith in this 35-foot ladder auditorium raise. This training exercise helps trainees gain confidence in their crews and equipment.

It's cold outside... are you using a space heater to keep warm? Here's a few portable space heater safety tips: - Turn it off when leaving the room or going t...o bed - Keep it 3 feet away from anything that can burn More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BqR4WNd3lA National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

On December 23rd 2016, the Oxnard Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire. The attached video shows the rapidly advancing fire, with flames imp...inging on hazardous materials in two adjacent businesses. It also shows the rescue of a disoriented civilian found in the structure. A very dynamic situation handled with professionalism. The aggressive fire attack saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and ensured the business involved was able to maintain operations. Oxnard Fire Department was assisted by Ventura County Fire Department & Ventura Fire Department in fighting the fire. Oxnard Police Department also assisted with traffic control.

Happy Holidays from Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen and all the men and women of #VCFD!

Finally! Heavy rainfall is expected tonight in Ventura County. The expected storm will bring high winds as well. Keep informed with US National Weather Service ...Los Angeles/Oxnard. to track rainfall totals click here: www.vcwatershed.net/fws/gmap.html Be careful on the roadways. Watch for blowing debris and make sure to check your windshield wiper blades. Be safe. See more

This is what happens when you put 3 ounces of water on a small cooking oil fire. The best way to extinguish this type of fire is to smother it with a pan lid or use a 2A10BC fire extinguisher. Never use water or try to pick up the pan and move it.

Thanks to the generosity of the public, #VCFD raised over $60,000 yesterday for muscular dystrophy Association during our annual Fill the Boot drive at four loc...ations throughout the county! Thank you everyone for your donations and support. Ventura County Professional Firefighters' Association - IAFF Local 1364

Are you ready for some football? Last week the The Oakland Raiders honored police and firefighters. #VCFD firefighter Mike Fuller participated with other state ...firefighters in a friendly halftime competition against our law enforcement friends. His successful field goal helped lead firefighters to victory! Thanks to Police and Fire: the Fallen Heroes for honoring fallen firefighter #RyanOsler at this event. See more

Every year Sunny and Jerry donate hundreds of toys to the #SparkofLove ToyDrive. Firefighters meet them in the morning at the store and begin loading box after ...box of toys for the underprivileged children of the county. You can help out too, just drop of a new, unwrapped toy at any #VCFD station. We'd love to see you. See more

Saturday, fallen firefighters Scott D. Carroll and Ryan S. Osler will be added to the Ventura County Fallen Firefighter Memorial. You are invited to join us at the ceremony, 10 a.m. at the Government Center. Event details: https://goo.gl/mzJJmM

Extra for the Camarillo Cronies Fundraiser tonight for Osler family. Underwood Farms has donated pumpkins which will be sold for $5 with all proceeds going to the Osler family. Bring your family and friends!

REMINDER: Fundraiser this Thursday, October 27....all Cronie's....all day long...20% back to the Osler family. Mention "VCFD", "Ryan Osler" or show the attached flyer. Fun raffle prizes at the Camarillo, Newbury Park & Simi Valley locations.... Be sure to share this event with all your family & friends! Hope to see you there. Thanks!!