Tag Archives: Chino Valley

Summer Barbeques: A Cautionary Tale

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – On Wed., Aug. 5, Chino Valley Fire District firefighters responded to a barbeque fire on the 16000 block of Pipeline Avenue in Chino that resulted in minor injuries. Firefighters kept the fire from spreading to the patio and home by isolating it to the cooking station area. CVFD firefighter/paramedics treated a female patient for minor burn injuries.

Summer is a great time for get-togethers and barbeques, and the best way to ensure that your family and guests have a happy and memorable experience, is to exercise caution when using outdoor grills.

The Chino Valley Fire District offers the following guidelines and tips to help keep you safe.

Before Using Your Propane Grill:

  • Check all fuel connection points to confirm they are tight.
  • Check the fuel source hose for any leaks:
    • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
    • Turn the fuel source on. If there is a leak, the gas will release bubbles around the hose. If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
    • If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
    • If the leak doesn’t stop, call the Fire Department immediately.

When Turning On The Grill:

  • Make sure the lid is open when lighting the grill. This will help prevent a possible gas explosion.

When The Grill Is On:

  • If you smell gas while you are cooking, turn off the gas and burners.
  • If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the Fire Department immediately. Do not move the grill.

For more information on fire and life safety, contact the Chino Valley Fire District at (909) 902-5260, or visit their website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

If You Can’t Take The Heat…

CVFD offers Tips for the Heat Wave

 

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As the temperatures increase throughout the region – in some places in excess of 105 degrees – the Chino Valley Fire District urges residents to take precautions that will help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Stay Cool and Hydrated:

  • Spend the warmest part of the day in air-conditioned buildings.
  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is hottest, and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
  • NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles – even for a minute!
  • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.

Swimming Pool Safety:

  • Have an adult designated to supervise children whenever they are in or around water.
  • Remove children from water for any distractions such as a phone call or to use the restroom.

Barbeque Safety:

  • Visually inspect propane hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. A soap and water solution may be used to test for leaks. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
  • Never use a grill indoors or closer than 10 feet from a building, eaves, branches or other combustibles.
  • Never leave a charcoal or propane grill unattended.

For additional safety tips, please visit the Fire District’s website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Chino Valley Scam Alert

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: CVFD This is an official Chino Valley Fire District Uniform

Photo Courtesy: CVFD
This is an official Chino Valley Fire District Uniform

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to alert business owners of unsolicited companies claiming to be sent to their businesses by the Fire Marshal, Fire District or a Fire Inspector.  These unsolicited companies claim that they are being sent on behalf of the local fire agency to perform an inspection or survey of the business.  The unsolicited companies target fire protection equipment, systems and other areas related to fire safety.

Fire inspections in Chino and Chino Hills are conducted by Fire District personnel.  All Chino Valley Fire District personnel who perform fire and life safety inspections wear an approved uniform. The uniform has a badge clearly displayed above the left front pocket and a Fire District patch on the left upper sleeve of their uniform shirt.  Businesses are encouraged to request a business card from anyone who claims to be at their business to conduct an inspection or to call the Fire District at (909) 902-5260 to verify an inspection by Fire District personnel.

Below are some precautionary measures that businesses can take:

  • Business owners should ask for proof of a proper license before anyone services their fire extinguishers, sprinkler system or alarm system.  Refuse fire protection services if proper identification is not provided. Have fire protection companies leave any parts that have been replaced.
  • Ask for identification of anyone requesting to perform any type of inspection.  CVFD personnel carry a Fire District ID card and business cards.
    • Always obtain an estimate for services or work that needs to be performed.
    • Do not pay upfront for any services rendered and do not pay with cash. Never sign a blank invoice.
  • Fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced annually by a licensed technician. Be sure to record the date of the previous service, the quantity and size of your extinguishers, and the purchase dates.
  • Record the dates of the fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special fire protection system installations and services.
  • Be cautious of service companies that show up “UNSOLICITED”.
  • Educate employees on business owner rights and fraudulent practices. Post this information where your employees have access to it (e.g. at the front desk or employee break room).

If you are in doubt or have any questions, contact the Chino Valley Fire District at (909) 902-5260, or visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Chino Valley: Weed Abatement

A Year-Round Commitment to Safety

 

 Staff Reports

Chino Valley – Keeping your home and property clear of brush and rubbish is a year-long commitment to fire safety.

According to the Chino Valley First District, inspections for proper clearance of tumbleweeds and other combustible materials will begin on Aug. 25. Courtesy reminder cards were mailed at the end of July to Chino and Chino Hills residents with a previous history of overgrown vegetation on their property.

Tumbleweeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish must be cleared by Aug. 25.  If a hazard exists on or after that time, property owners will be charged a $130 non-compliance fee – and owners are still responsible for clearing their property.

Properties that are not cleared by the re-inspection date of Oct. 14 will be cleared by a contractor hired by the Fire District. In addition to the cost to clear the hazard, an additional $200 administration fee will be billed per parcel. This applies to all parcels, including adjoining parcels. The legal owner of record at the time the property is cited is responsible for all fees and charges.

Fire District officials will focus on the removal of tumbleweeds during this inspection period because of the fire hazard they pose. Tumbleweeds are a high fire danger due to their propensity to break loose once dry and be carried by the wind to areas where they can accumulate along flammable vegetation, wood fences, homes and other combustible materials.

Property owners are required to maintain their properties clear of tumbleweeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish year round. Below are some helpful tips for clearing vegetation in a safe and effective manner.

  • Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. (it is cooler at that time with more moisture in the air, making fires harder to start).
  • Never use a lawn mower in dry vegetation. Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.
  • Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire. Never put yourself in harm’s way to extinguish an advancing fire.

For more information about the weed abatement program, please visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org, or call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (909) 902-5285.

Chino Valley: CVFD Board of Director Election

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As part of the Nov. 3, 2015 Consolidated General Election, a general district election will be held for the Chino Valley Fire District to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. Each seat is designated for a four-year term, beginning December 2015 through December 2019.

Candidates must legally reside within the District boundaries and must be registered voters at the time nomination forms are issued to qualify as a candidate.

Official filing forms may be obtained from either the Chino Valley Fire District’s Fire Administration, located at 14011 City Center Drive in Chino Hills, or from the San Bernardino County Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino. All completed forms must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2015, at the Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters.

The Fire District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that serve four-year staggered terms. Directors are responsible for overseeing the formulation and evaluation of policies.

Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

Chino Valley: CVFD Board of Director Election

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As part of the Nov. 3, 2015 Consolidated General Election, a general district election will be held for the Chino Valley Fire District to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. Each seat is designated for a four-year term, beginning December 2015 through December 2019.

Candidates must legally reside within the District boundaries and must be registered voters at the time nomination forms are issued to qualify as a candidate.

Official filing forms may be obtained from either the Chino Valley Fire District’s Fire Administration, located at 14011 City Center Drive in Chino Hills, or from the San Bernardino County Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino. All completed forms must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2015, at the Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters.

The Fire District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that serve four-year staggered terms. Directors are responsible for overseeing the formulation and evaluation of policies.

Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

Chino Valley: Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city of Chino Hills, and that only State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the city of Chino.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the city of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1 through midnight July 4, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.  No fireworks of any kind are permitted in Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  Also, fireworks are not permitted in the city of Chino in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

CVFD Seeks Nominations For Prestigious Award

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District is seeking nominations for the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award.  Nominations will be accepted until midnight of December 31.  Award recipients will be announced in January 2016.

The Fred L. Burns Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of Public Safety.

The Fire District’s Mission is to protect the lives and property of the community from the detrimental effects of fires, medical emergencies and other hazardous conditions.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.chinovalleyfire.org by accessing the Community Relations tab, News Flash section, or by clicking on the Fred L. Burns Award page on the hot links section of the Fire District website’s homepage.

Chino Valley Makes MLB Draft

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com
Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

By Claire Lewis

Chino Valley – If you keep up with Major League Baseball, you probably know that the 2015 Draft took place recently – June 8 through 10.  A total of 1,215 individuals were selected in the 40-round draft, and three Major League Teams selected young men from the Chino Valley.

Bailey Falter, the 6-foot 4-inch, left-handed pitcher from Chino Hills High was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 5th Round, 144th overall.  With exemplary high school statistics behind him, he was the first pitcher selected by the Phillies.  Falter is signed to play for the University of California Santa Barbara come fall.  He has a tough decision to make about his career.

Christian Kelley – a graduate of Don Lugo High who has played for Cal Poly Pomona for the last two years – was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th Round, 337th overall.  Reportedly the lead-off hitter for Cal Poly this past season, Kelley’s most recent stats read .341 in 72 hits with one home run, 28 RBIs and 43 runs scored.

And finally, outfielder Kyle Garlick – who also played for Cal Poly Pomona after three seasons with the University of Oregon – was drafted in the 28th Round, 852nd overall, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Garlick, who is a graduate of Chino Hills High, was a member of the All-West Region First Team, as well as the All-CCAA First Team.

Congratulations to these Chino Valley men, who obviously have great careers ahead of them.