Berkeley Fire Department

25 years later, we pause to honor and remember the 343 FDNY firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, 8 EMTs, and all the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We honor those we lost, their families, and the countless acts of courage and selflessness shown that day.

25 years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Image Credit: Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.

Evacuation doesn’t start on the road. Being prepared helps you evacuate faster when it matters most.

Speed up your evacuation time by completing the City of Berkeley Evacuation Planning Worksheet.

Worksheet link in bio:https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/berkeley-fire-weather-planning-tool.pdf

Want a more organized, connected neighborhood that's better prepared for disasters?

Join Berkeley OES and local community leaders for our upcoming Neighborhood Organizing Training and learn how to build preparedness where it matters most.

📅 August 12
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 West Berkeley Family Wellness Center

Register on Eventbrite—link in our bio!

Hi! I'm T**a, one of Berkeley Fire's Disaster Search Dogs. I help people during emergencies—but I'd much rather help your family stay safe. Since today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, it's the perfect time to make sure your pets are part of your family's fire safety plan.

Here are my top tips for keeping pets safe:

🐶 Keep my leash, collar, or carrier near an exit.
🐶 Keep me away from candles and open flames.
🐶 Make sure I'm part of your family's fire escape plan.
🐶 Place a pet alert decal on your front window so firefighters know pets may be inside.

After all, we're family too.

Have you applied yet?
Participating in the Resident Assistance Program is easier than you might think.

✔️ Apply online
✔️ Eligibility reviewed by Berkeley Fire staff
✔️ Inspection scheduled
✔️ Contractors coordinated
✔️ Re-inspection once work is complete

Berkeley Fire is here to help every step of the way.

Apply now: bit.ly/RAP_application

Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program

Congratulations to the graduates of Berkeley Fire Department Academy 114!

On June 18, family, friends, department members, and supporters gathered to celebrate the successful completion of Academy 114 and welcome 12 new firefighters to the profession.

The ceremony included the Presentation of Colors by the Honor Guard, welcome remarks from Fire Chief David Sprague, an introduction by Assistant Chief Levon Thaxton II, remarks from Recruit Training Officers Ian Breuning and Toney Cook, and Recruit Remarks by Antoine Stitt. The program also featured a video highlighting the academy journey, the tradition of badge pinning by family members, and the Oath, marking the beginning of each graduate's service to the City of Berkeley.

Please join us in congratulating:

• Dante Carrasco
• Kevin Cullen
• Fernando Flores-Gomez
• Samuel Mayer
• Timothy Mendonca
• Axelle Minzolini
• Kevin Montalvo
• Erich Nisich
• William Portello
• Yael Schwarz
• Antoine Stitt
• Kristopher Washington

We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment. Welcome to the Berkeley Fire family.

Congratulations to members of the Berkeley Fire Department for being recognized by the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency for their outstanding contributions to emergency medical care.

Retired Paramedic Supervisor Derek Powell was honored for a lifetime of exceptional service to the community and the EMS profession.

Paramedic Supervisor Tom Bowring was honored as Alameda County EMS Professional of the year.

The department also celebrates Captain Nathan Koman and Paramedic Jack Thiebaud for their contributions to Berkeley Fire's continued excellence in emergency medical services.

Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to providing the highest level of care to our community.

And a special thank you to for the amazing cake pops that helped us celebrate the occasion!

Fire season is quickly approaching, and the Berkeley Fire Department offers free services to help prepare your property.

Available programs include:

• Defensible Space Resident Assistance Program (RAP)
• Home Hardening Mesh Program
• Chipper Program

Not sure what applies to your property?

Visit BerkeleyFireSafe.org and enter your address to:

☑ Learn your fire zone
☑ Learn what requirements apply to your property
☑ Explore available programs and services
☑ Schedule a defensible space inspection

Together, we can help keep Berkeley FireSafe.

The Resident Assistance Program helps eligible Berkeley residents reduce wildfire risk around their homes.

The RAP can help with:
• Removing dead vegetation
• Pruning and thinning trees
• Addressing hazards within 0–100 feet of structures

The RAP can provide service reimbursement, and assistance with contractor coordination.

Learn more at: BerkeleyFireSafe.org/resident-assistance-program

Apply now: bit.ly/RAP_application

Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program

Did you know Berkeley Fire offers contractor and logistical help to residents to create defensible space around their homes?

If you live in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, Grizzly Peak, and Panoramic Mitigation Areas, you may qualify for help removing hazardous vegetation and meeting defensible space requirements.

✔️ 65+ years old
✔️ Physical disability
✔️ Income-eligible
✔️ Need help with a contractor

Learn more at BerkeleyFireSafe.org/resident-assistance-program

Apply today:bit.ly/RAP_application

Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CalFire) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program