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Tamalpais Fire Crew

TFC Today

The Board of Supervisors approved funding for a 13 person crew made up of 1 Superintendent, 1 Foreman, 1 Squad Boss, and 10 firefighters under an official pilot project that lasted from July 1, 2005 - February 24, 2006.  The funding provided for salaries, equipment, and a vehicle.  The Crew quarters is located at Novato Fire Protection District Station 5 now known internally as the Tamalpais Fire Crew Quarters-Hamilton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first official county funded members of the Tamalpais Fire Crew were:

Timothy Walsh-Crew Superintendent

Jake Rosebrock-Crew Foreman

Keith Wallace-Squad Boss

Austin Sack-Crewmember

Dan Powers-Crewmember

Justin Barrow-Crewmember

Nate Clark-Crewmember

Chris Skye-Crewmember

Mark Hendershott-Crewmember

Keegan Barrett-Crewmember

Matt White-Crewmember

Sean Day-Crewmember

Laurent Frat-Crewmember

Ryan Miner*-Crewmember

* Ryan became part of the crew when one member was injured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the pilot project period, the Crew worked on three major fuel management projects, responded to several wildland fires, and participated with numerous prescribed burns.

The Department purchased gear for the Crew including new chainsaws, brush helmets, chainsaw chaps, and Eagle webgear.  The helmets have a full brim to minimize exposure to the sun.  The webgear was purchased because handcrews are expected to be self-sustainable for up to 24 hours.  This means that crewmembers must carry food, water, chainsaw parts and chain, fusees, sweatshirt, energy bars, saw fuel/oil, and a fire shelter.

The department purchased a Type 4 fire engine for the crew.  The engine carries 300 gallons of water and 10 gallons of foam that the Crew uses to extinguish burn piles.  It can carry 5 firefighters with gear, all of the Crew’s firing equipment, saws, handtools, and backpumps.  When the Crew found the truck, it had large green dragon stickers on the hood and was marketed as the “Dragon Slayer”.  From that day on, the truck was named “Puff” which stuck like glue.

 

 

Not really today but more currently!

A Keith Wallace and Austin Sack lay down fire at a prescribed burn at Pt. Reyes National Seashore.

 

Matt White burning during the February 17, 2006 snow storm on Middle Peak-Mt. Tamalpais.

 

Dan Powers cutting a stand of pure poison oak. 

 

Ryan Miner spays water to protect native vegetation while burning piles on the Indian Fire road-Kent Woodlands. 

 

Justin Barrow and Mark Hendershott safely exit helicopter 104 after a training flight to the top of Mt. Tamalpais.

 

Jake Rosebrock demonstrates how to safely fall a tree in the S212 powersaw and tree falling class.