Community Takes Action: Bell Canyon Establishes Volunteer Fire Department
In the aftermath of the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, residents of Bell Canyon, a Southern California community, felt the need to be better prepared for future wildfires. Witnessing houses burning down without sufficient resources to combat the flames, concerned homeowners decided to take matters into their own hands.
Larry Little, who is involved with the Bell Canyon Volunteer Wildland Fire Department, expressed their motivation for forming the department. “Those of us who had sort of fought it with garden hoses and the limited resources we had looked around and went ‘What else can we do?'” The primary goal of the department is to protect residents and their properties while supporting local fire agencies, not as a substitute for emergency services.
Operating 24/7, the Bell Canyon Volunteer Wildland Fire Department responds to community calls, which often involve situations like a rattlesnake on the loose or an injury-related accident. Since the start of 2023, they have already attended approximately 150 calls for service.
While the department may not specialize in structure fires, they play a crucial role in mitigating damage. Chief Garrett Clancy explained, “If a home is fully engulfed, we can pour water on it, make sure that the homes on either side are protected, and ensure the street is clear for city trucks to come in.”
Not only does the department focus on firefighting, but they also provide various other services to their community. Volunteer firefighter Leo Kaufman highlighted their ability to handle situations ranging from wildfires to over-the-side rescues and hiker rescues.
Despite having full-time jobs in diverse fields such as law, aviation, film, and finance, the volunteers gladly add the role of a firefighter to their resumes. Their dedication does not go unnoticed by their neighbors. Cory Everson, a Bell Canyon resident, expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s just amazing to have that service here. You go to bed at night knowing that if something happens, someone will be here within five minutes.”
Funded primarily through private donations, the fire department has been able to acquire essential equipment to protect the community. This includes over a mile of fire hose, two Type 6 fire engines with a capacity of 300 gallons each, and a Type 2 engine with a 500-gallon capacity.
However, what truly drives the department is their commitment to serving the community they call home. Little emphasized, “There’s an extra drive, an extra impetus to protect your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your neighborhood.”
The establishment of the Bell Canyon Volunteer Wildland Fire Department serves as a testament to the resilience and proactive spirit of the community. By taking action and preparing themselves for fire season, the residents of Bell Canyon are setting an inspiring example for others facing similar challenges.
Tag: Personal Injury Law
Suggested Featured Image: Community Volunteer Firefighters
