FAQs • Larkspur, CA • CivicEngage

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Fire

1. How do I contact the Fire Marshal?: Ruben Martin, the City's Fire Marshal may be contacted by phone at 628-600-9988.

2. Can I recycle old batteries?: Yes. Don't throw dead batteries in the trash. The acid in the battery will eventually leak out of the decomposing battery into the landfill. There is a blue recycling bin outside of the side entrance to City Hall. Another blue recycling bin is located outside of the front door of the Greenbrae Fire Station. All fire agencies in Marin promote battery recycling. Look for the blue containers or ask any firefighter for assistance.

3. What is CEAC?: CEAC is an acronym for the Citizens Emergency Advisory Committee. This group of Larkspur residents focuses on pushing GET READY and CERT programs into the community. It is led by Larkspur Firefighter Tom Timmer. Everyone should be GET READY trained. It only takes two hours and it's fun! Look for more info on this website.

4. What is WUI?: WUI stands for Wildland Urban Interface. It pertains to structures built into the hillside areas that are prone to wildfire. There are more restrictive codes and standards for building construction in the WUI area. There are also parking restrictions on many streets in the WUI zone. A WUI map and other information on hillside fire related issues can be found at this website.

5. Can I burn out my tree stump?: The short answer is NO! The August 2011 edition of POPULAR SCIENCE has an article about the various methods of removing a tree stump. The author of the article is recommending to readers that a preferred option is to burn it out by using a commercial stump remover of potassium nitrate along with a few impurities and stabilizers. Other home made recipes are offered as well that include salt peter and kerosene.
Burning the stump is not allowed by the Fire Code. Such an action during the fire season can lead to a catastrophic wildfire. No uncontrolled open burning of any kind is allowed within the City of Larkspur. Stumps are typically removed by grinding. Smaller stumps can be pulled from the ground with a chain using a winch.

6. What should I do if I see a downed or low hanging wire?: Call 9-1-1. Any low or downed wire should be treated as a live - energized electrical wire. In other words, STAY WELL AWAY and warn others to stay away as well! Call 9-1-1. Allow us to investigate and determine if it is an electrical wire or possibly a phone or cable TV wire. But, never make the determination yourself. This situation becomes more acute in stormy weather when overhead lines can come loose or break.

7. What is "Sidewalk CPR"?: Sidewalk CPR is a non-certified, easy to learn method of CPR, in which you can save a life by doing hard, fast chest compressions without providing mouth-to-mouth breathing. It was designed and is intended to enable almost anyone to be a first responder-life saver. No longer do you have to hesitate from getting involved for fear of doing mouth-to-mouth breathing. A firefighter can provide instruction in just a few minutes. More than 300,000 people will die from coronary heart disease this year before reaching the hospital. Victims that receive immediate CPR and a shock from an AED within three to five minutes have a 48 to 74 percent chance of survival. Currently, less than 8 percent of victims survive due to lack of CPR and AED use across the country. So, don't be a spectator to a heart attack. Learn Sidewalk CPR and you may possibly help save someone's life. Sidewalk CPR Marin County Event 2010

8. Why is my smoke detector chirping?: This is the function that advises you that the 9-volt battery needs replacement. Remove the unit from the wall or ceiling, usually by a 1/2 twist. The battery is located in the back of the unit. Replace the battery with a fresh 9-volt. Remember to change the battery in each unit, twice a year when we move the clocks for daylight savings and standard time. Call us if you have questions.

9. Does the Fire Department enforce No Burn-Spare the Air Day violations?: We do not. No Burn-Spare the Air Days are a Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) ordinance. This agency has an enforcement program. To report a violation, contact the BAAQMD at 1-877-4NO-BURN (466-2876) or on line at
www.baaqmd.gov/Divisions/Compliance-and-Enforcement/Air-Pollution-Complaints.aspx

10. Can I use an outdoor fire pit?: Yes, as long as it is an approved container and you are using it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. You may not dig a pit or have any sort of bon or camp fire. The outdoor fire pit is a device that contains the fire and has a screen installed to prevent flying embers.
If you do choose to use a fire pit during the summer fire season and it causes a wildfire, you could be held liable for any damages plus the cost to fight the fire. So use the fire pit with extreme caution, have a charged garden hose ready to use, and fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area. Do not deposit ashes in the trash can. Hours later, this can lead to a smoldering fire that eventually consumes the garbage can and anything nearby, such as the wall of your home or garage.

11. Ever consider the fact that you could be away from home when an earthquake strikes?: An earthquake is the most likely disaster scenario that could strike our area. Besides home preparedness, you should have supplies in your vehicle in the event that an earthquake strikes when you're away from home. Things to have in your vehicle: Walking shoes, a pair of sweats, a blanket, water, food such as energy bars, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Even if the quake is not severe, roads might be shut down while bridges and overpasses are inspected for damage. You might have to spend the night in your vehicle or walk to an emergency shelter until you can return home. Also, always make sure you have over a quarter tank of fuel in the tank. After a major quake, gas stations could be closed for several days. Get Ready Marin

12. How do I properly dispose of unwanted oil, paint, thinner or gasoline?: Take these materials to the Marin Resource and Recovery Center, located at 535 Jacoby Street in San Rafael. Call them at 415-456-2601 for hours of operation.

13. How do I get my fire extinguisher recharged or inspected?: Fire extinguisher servicing is performed by private companies. Check local listings for fire extinguisher firms that are located in our area.

14. Can I get my blood pressure checked?: The firefighters are happy to check your blood pressure. Stop by either of our stations between 7 am and 8 pm. If the crew is not in the station when you stop by, try back later. They are often out of the station answering emergency calls, on training assignments, or conducting fire inspections.

15. How do I obtain a copy of a incident report?: Call either of the two stations during regular business hours. A basic report can be obtained usually within 48 hours. Any report containing patient information cannot be provided without a legal consent release.