Fire Engine for Sonoma Firefighters

The Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was on the front lines fighting the Tubbs Fire in 2017, and now, two years later, they are fighting another catastrophic Sonoma County fire: the Kincaid Fire. California is in a virtual state of war against extraordinary forces of nature that have been unleashed upon it. These brave firefighters are the thin red line standing between thousands of Californians and the abyss. And they need help.

The Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is part of the Sonoma County Fire District. 92% of the funding is from property taxes. This tax base is literally burning away: The 2017 Tubbs Fire alone resulted in a 25% reduction in their modest property tax base.

This is a long term financial challenge. But in the short term, they have immediate needs that, if met, will have a real positive impact. The department needs to procure a Type 6 Brush Truck. It is more agile and able to access narrow bridges, unpaved roads, and other spaces inaccessible to larger vehicles. Every member of the team can be trained to drive it, unlike other trucks, which will reduce response times and help prevent small fires from becoming large ones. Had they had this truck during the Tubbs and Kincaid fires, buildings would have been saved that otherwise burned.

We will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 so the Mountain Volunteer Fire Department can immediately purchase this critical piece of equipment. After conversations with the team, we are convinced that this is one of the most high-need, immediate, and tangible ways to support the fight against the fires. Thank you for reading and for your support.

If you wish to directly donate through other mechanisms (such as a donor-advised fund) the EIN is 94-2453025.