Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Emergency calls within the City of Avenal are dispatched to the Avenal Fire Department. AFD provides the City's primary fire and
emergency response and requests additional mutual-aid resources when an incident requires them.

Avenal Fire is a combination fire department made up of paid professional firefighters and reserve firefighters. The department currently
has 14 paid professional firefighters and approximately 20 reserve firefighters. Each day, AFD has a minimum of four paid personnel on
duty, with reserve firefighters available to supplement staffing. This combination model provides additional operational flexibility, allowing
the department to increase daily staffing, place additional response units in service, and strengthen emergency coverage for the
community.

Yes. Avenal Fire maintains 24-hour emergency coverage. Career suppression personnel work a 48/96 schedule, with reserve firefighters
and additional personnel supplementing daily staffing and Chief Officer coverage.

At a minimum, Avenal Fire staffs five firefighters each day. This provides one Type I engine staffed with a Captain, Engineer, and
Firefighter, along with a second unit staffed with a Captain or Engineer and a Firefighter. All operational personnel are also EMTs.
Reserve firefighters can supplement daily staffing, allowing AFD to staff up to eight personnel and three response units, along with
additional Chief Officer coverage.

Based on the Department's June 1-August 7, 2026 operational data, AFD averaged approximately 2.5 minutes of travel time and an
aggregate response time of approximately 3.8 minutes from dispatch to arrival on scene.

Avenal Fire continues to grow as a combination department. The August 11 Chief's Update documented 26 total members at that point in
the department's development, including paid professionals, intern firefighters, reserves/volunteers, and Chief Officers. Since then, AFD
has continued expanding its paid and reserve staffing model.

The Avenal Fire Department is the municipal fire department for the City of Avenal. During the June 1-August 7 reporting period, 201 of
206 incidents occurred in the Avenal Urban Zone and five occurred in the Avenal Rural Zone. AFD can also respond outside the City
when requested through mutual aid, automatic aid, or other authorized cooperative agreements.

AFD's operational fleet includes Type 1 structural fire engines, a 100-foot aerial platform, a Type 6 patrol, a water tender, and a squad.
The fleet continues to be developed to support structural, wildland, rescue, medical, and mutual-aid operations

Yes. Avenal participates in California's State Master Mutual Aid system and can assist neighboring jurisdictions when requested and
when resources are available. During the June 1-August 7 reporting period, AFD used Master Mutual Aid assistance on four
incidents, including residential and commercial structure fires, a vegetation fire, and an overlapping call.

Mutual aid is a system that allows fire agencies to assist one another when an emergency exceeds the resources of a single
department. It provides access to additional engines, trucks, Chief Officers, specialized resources, and personnel. Avenal Fire
currently has a formal mutual-aid agreement with Coalinga Fire Department and is working to establish mutual-aid and/or
automatic-aid partnerships with NAS Lemoore Fire, Avenal State Prison, Fresno County Fire Protection District, and Lemoore
Volunteer Fire Department. The City has also requested mutual-aid agreements with Kings County Fire Department on multiple
occasions; Kings County Fire has indicated that it is not interested in pursuing such an agreement at this time. AFD will continue
developing regional partnerships that strengthen emergency response capability.

Yes. AFD conducts fire and life-safety inspections and works with businesses to identify hazards, improve compliance, and reduce
risk. Inspection frequency and requirements depend on occupancy type and applicable law.

Inspections help identify blocked exits, electrical hazards, fire-protection deficiencies, unsafe storage, access problems, and other
conditions before they contribute to an emergency. Prevention and early correction of hazards are key components of AFD's
Community Risk Reduction strategy.

AFD used a systematic, parcel-by-parcel inspection strategy to establish community-wide coverage rather than relying only on
complaints. The City was divided into assigned inspection zones, and AFD personnel conducted visual inspections of properties
within those zones. When personnel identified dry vegetation, weeds, combustible accumulations, or other potential fire hazards, they
documented the condition with photographs and the property address. The information was then provided to City Code
Enforcement for follow-up through the City's weed-abatement and nuisance process. This approach allowed AFD to rapidly
identify hazards across the community, create a documented record of conditions, and connect fire-prevention inspections with the
City's enforcement process. During the June 1-August 7 reporting period, AFD documented approximately 2,100 weed-abatement
inspections by parcel.

Some activities, operations, events, and hazardous processes require permits under applicable fire and life-safety codes. Contact
AFD before beginning a regulated activity if you are unsure whether a permit or inspection is required.

CERT - Community Emergency Response Team - teaches residents basic disaster-preparedness skills so they can better protect
themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods during emergencies.

The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Committee is designed to help AFD put its mission and vision into action by bringing
community members and the Fire Department together to identify local risks and develop practical prevention, education,
preparedness, and injury-reduction strategies. AFD's mission calls for data-informed response, proactive risk reduction,
collaborative solutions, and stronger community resilience, while its vision is to build a modern, high-performing fire
department recognized for innovation, operational excellence, and community partnership. The CRR Committee directly
supports both by creating a structured way for the community to participate in identifying problems, establishing priorities, developing
solutions, and evaluating where prevention efforts can have the greatest impact. Just as importantly, the Committee is intended to
build trust through transparency, communication, collaboration, and shared ownership of community safety. Rather than the
Fire Department deciding alone what the community needs, CRR creates an ongoing partnership in which residents and community
stakeholders have a voice in how AFD addresses risk. The goal is to strengthen relationships while reducing preventable fires, injuries,
emergencies, and other hazards - helping AFD fulfill its commitment to Building a Safer Avenal Together.

AFD is actively working to implement Safer Homes, Safer Avenal, a Community Risk Reduction initiative designed to partner with
multifamily residential properties to improve fire and life safety where residents live. The program will combine resident-focused
public education, voluntary fire-safety inspections of individual residential units, identification of common household fire
hazards, and recommendations to property owners and managers for improving fire-safety features and conditions. The goal
is to bring residents, property management, and AFD together to identify risks before an emergency occurs, strengthen prevention and
preparedness, and create safer multifamily communities throughout Avenal.

Yes. In the June 1-August 7 reporting period alone, AFD conducted five CPR/AED classes reaching approximately 100 people. CPR,
first aid, and related education are part of the Department's broader Community Risk Reduction program.

AFD's Community Risk Reduction work includes town halls, CPR/AED classes, fire drills, the Citizen Fire Academy, smoke-alarm
installations, youth and daycare visits, community events, fire-safety education, and other outreach. AFD is also developing Safer
Homes, Safer Avenal to expand prevention and education efforts within multifamily residential properties.

Yes. AFD works with schools, youth programs, businesses, civic groups, and community organizations. Early outreach included Kidz
Spot visits, Happy Feet Day Care, community events, youth sports activities, fire drills, and public-safety education.

During June-August 2026, Avenal Fire responded to 308 incidents. The call-type breakdown was 193 medical calls (62.7%), 55
no-emergency calls (17.9%), 24 other calls (7.8%), 19 fires (6.2%), 7 public-service calls (2.3%), 5 hazardous situations (1.6%),
and 5 rescues (1.6%). During its early operational period, AFD also maintained staffing above the then-established two-person minimum
on 94.1% of days and continued expanding Department staffing and operational capacity. AFD recorded approximately 715 community
contacts, conducted five CPR/AED classes reaching about 100 people, provided smoke-alarm installation assistance to approximately
70 homes, and completed extensive parcel and weed-abatement inspection work. The Department also expanded its apparatus and
operational capacity, participated in California's State Master Mutual Aid system, developed regional partnerships, applied for
approximately $1.3 million through the SAFER program for six firefighter positions and $26,000 through the FEMA AFG program for
training, and received a DripDrop hydration grant.

AFD has developed or pursued partnerships with Coalinga Fire Department, NAS Lemoore Fire, Avenal State Prison, Lemoore Fire
Department, Fresno County Fire Protection District, CALTERRA, State of California Workforce Development, Fresno City College, and
West Hills College. These partnerships support mutual/automatic aid, training, workforce development, internships,
emergency-management education, and career pathways.

Reserve and volunteer opportunities depend on current department needs and eligibility requirements. AFD's workforce-development
partnerships also support training and experience opportunities for volunteers and developing firefighters. Current Reserve Firefighter,
volunteer, and other City employment opportunities are posted through the City of Avenal's Job Opportunities webpage:
www.cityofavenal.com/jobs
Interested applicants should review current postings for qualifications, application instructions, and recruitment status

Station tours may be available by arrangement and are subject to emergency response, staffing, training, and operational needs.

Community organizations may contact AFD to request apparatus displays, public-education presentations, school visits, CPR programs,
or participation in community events. AFD has actively participated in town halls, youth programs, public education, community
celebrations, and other local events.

AFD's priorities include sustaining strong daily staffing, maintaining multiple staffed response resources, continuing apparatus and
operational development, expanding firefighter training and professional development, strengthening regional mutual/automatic-aid
partnerships, pursuing grant funding, and growing Community Risk Reduction and workforce-development programs.

Operational personnel are trained and certified for their assigned duties based on the needs of the organization. AFD personnel
may hold California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)/State Fire Training professional certifications or recognized equivalent Pro
Board or IFSAC certifications appropriate to the position. Qualifications may include Fire Fighter I/II, wildland firefighting,
hazardous materials, EMT, driver/operator, rescue, instructor, officer, prevention/inspection, and other specialized certifications.

Engineers are responsible for safely driving and operating fire apparatus, pumps, water systems, and assigned equipment while
also performing firefighter duties. Depending on assignment and organizational needs, qualifications may include CSFM/SFT Fire
Fighter I and II and Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator - Pumping Apparatus (D/O 1A and 1B). Engineers assigned to specialized
apparatus may also hold Aerial Apparatus (D/O 1C), Wildland Fire Apparatus, and/or Water Tender Apparatus certifications.
Additional qualifications may include EMT, wildland, hazardous-materials, rescue, and other operational certifications. AFD may
recognize appropriate Pro Board or IFSAC-accredited equivalents based on reciprocity/equivalency requirements and
organizational need.

Fire Captains supervise personnel and company-level emergency operations and are responsible for incident command, crew
safety, training, readiness, and operational decision-making. Depending on assignment and organizational needs, qualifications
may include CSFM/SFT Fire Fighter I and II and Company Officer certification or a recognized equivalent. The Company Officer
curriculum includes 2A Human Resource Management, 2B General Administrative Functions, 2C Fire Inspections and
Investigation, 2D All-Risk Command Operations, and 2E Wildland Incident Operations. Captains may also hold Fire and
Emergency Services Instructor, applicable Driver/Operator, EMT, wildland, hazardous-materials, rescue, inspection/prevention,
and other certifications. AFD may recognize appropriate Pro Board or IFSAC-accredited equivalents consistent with
reciprocity/equivalency requirements and organizational need.

Training is continuous. Avenal firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 240 hours of continuing education and training
each year in firefighting and related disciplines. As members advance into positions such as Engineer or Captain, additional
continuing education is required. Because AFD members are also EMTs, they must complete 24 hours of EMS continuing
education every two years, along with the required skills competency assessment, to maintain EMT certification. A Fire Captain
may complete more than 300 hours of continuing education annually across structural and wildland firefighting, EMS, leadership
and command, hazardous materials, apparatus operations, rescue, and other professional-development requirements

For an immediate threat to life, property, or the environment, call 911. For a non-emergency fire or life-safety concern, contact the Avenal
Fire Department at 559-317-9886.

Call 911 for an emergency requiring an immediate response, including a fire, medical emergency, vehicle collision with injuries or
hazards, rescue, hazardous condition, or an immediate threat to life or property. Use 559-317-9886 for routine AFD questions or
non-emergency concerns.

AFD recommends following FEMA's Ready.gov preparedness framework: make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed. Your household
plan should identify evacuation routes and meeting places, transportation needs, and how family members will reconnect if separated.
Designate an out-of-area contact, keep written contact information with each family member, and remember that text messages may
work when voice calls do not. Practice and update the plan regularly.
Build an emergency supply kit capable of supporting your household for several days. FEMA recommends water and nonperishable
food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries and chargers, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, sanitation supplies, local
maps, and copies of important documents. Include supplies for children, older adults, disabilities or access and functional needs, medical
equipment, and pets. Keep a portable go-kit available if evacuation becomes necessary.
Prepare before the emergency. Know evacuation routes and how you would shelter in place, maintain working smoke and
carbon-monoxide alarms, learn CPR and first aid, and know how to safely shut off utilities when appropriate. Keep vehicles reasonably
fueled or charged and follow official instructions during an incident. AFD also encourages residents to participate in preparedness
programs such as CERT when available.

Stay connected with Avenal Fire through Facebook and Instagram @avenalfire. Residents can also download PulsePoint Respond
and follow Avenal Fire for real-time information about emergency incidents and public-interest notifications. AFD communication channels
also provide emergency and non-emergency news, preparedness information, public-safety updates, and community information.

Do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that the call was accidental and that there is no emergency. If you hang up,
the dispatcher may need to call back or take additional steps to verify that you are safe. Accidental calls should never prevent
someone from calling 911 when a real emergency exists.

Smoke alarms are an essential part of home fire safety and should be installed and maintained in accordance with applicable
requirements and the manufacturer's instructions. Test your smoke alarms at least once each month and replace batteries or
alarms when required. Working smoke alarms save lives: National Fire Protection Association research found that the death rate
in reported home fires is approximately 60% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no smoke alarms or
alarms that failed to operate. NFPA also found that 59% of home fire deaths occurred in properties with no smoke alarms or alarms
that did not operate. AFD's Community Risk Reduction efforts include smoke-alarm assistance; during the June 1-August 7 reporting
period, the Department provided smoke-alarm installation assistance to approximately 70 homes

City of Avenal requirements: Property owners and occupants are responsible for preventing fire hazards and public nuisances on
their property. Under the Avenal Municipal Code, dry or dead shrubs, dead trees, combustible refuse or waste, and other material
determined by the Fire Department to constitute a fire hazard may be declared a public nuisance. Lawns or grasses exceeding six
inches and visible on the property are also identified as a nuisance condition. Occupants of property adjoining a public alley are
responsible for keeping the area between the property line and the middle of the alley free of weeds, garbage, rubbish, combustible
material, and similar accumulations.

How the abatement process works: The City's current practice generally begins with a courtesy door hanger or verbal warning and
approximately 10 days to correct the condition. If the hazard remains, Code Enforcement documents the condition and may issue
additional written notices with progressively shorter compliance periods. A formal Notice of Abatement Citation may require
correction within a period not exceeding 10 days. Continued noncompliance can result in citations and ultimately City or contractor
abatement. The property owner can be responsible for the City's actual abatement and administrative costs, and unpaid costs may
ultimately become a lien or assessment against the property. Conditions that are imminently dangerous to life or adjacent property
may be subject to expedited action.

Wildfire and Firewise best practices: In addition to minimum City requirements, residents are encouraged to reduce fuels around
structures. Keep the first 0-5 feet (Zone 0) as ember-resistant and noncombustible as practical; remove dead vegetation and debris
and avoid storing combustible materials next to the home. Keep the 5-30 foot area (Zone 1) lean, clean, and green, and reduce
continuous vegetation and other fuels in the 30-100 foot area (Zone 2) where applicable. Keep roofs and gutters clear, remove
combustible material beneath decks, maintain vegetation spacing, and preserve clear access for emergency apparatus. These
Firewise practices supplement - rather than replace - the City's enforceable nuisance and weed-abatement requirements.