October 13, 2017

Greetings!

Last night at my home in Napa, as I carried my two weary sons upstairs to bed for the first time in three days, I had a moment to reflect on the magnitude of the events that have transpired this past week. It all began with a heroic effort Sunday afternoon by the firefighters of the American Canyon Fire Department and Napa County Fire Department to control a raging 20-acre grass fire on the outskirts of town on Green Island Road. Although two homes were lost and much property damage was sustained, their quick action prevented further tragedy. But little did anyone know, this was only the beginning. The devastation that has transpired since due to the "Napa Complex Fire" is simply unprecedented. Fortunately so far, American Canyon has been spared any damage and our community remains the safest place to be in Napa County right now. Please check www.cityofamericancanyon.org/napafirecomplex for the most accurate, up to date information on the fire.

What I witnessed first hand Wednesday night was extraordinary. After the City of Calistoga was evacuated, a third countywide emergency shelter was established at American Canyon High School. That night, hundreds of residents - many of them students - showed up to volunteer to help those seeking shelter from the barbaric fire and smoke that has gripped the northern part of the Napa Valley. Within hours, hundreds of cots, tons of food and water, and other essential provisions were donated to the shelter by residents. It was a remarkable experience for me to be a part of, and it was made all that more special because it was my first day as your new Interim City Manager. You all showed me, and more importantly, the rest of Napa County and the Bay Area how big your hearts collectively are. I am grateful for all of the hard work that the volunteers, Napa County Community Emergency Response Team, Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, Red Cross, county and city staff, and public safety personnel from here and all over have put into these efforts and I welcome the opportunity to join you as we try to help to put Napa County back together. 

Lastly, we need your help in stamping out unverified information shared through social media. Rumors and falsehoods continue to be the greatest threat to American Canyon from this fire. We are all frightened by this experience, but please do not share or repeat information from unverified sources. Just because you saw it on the internet or overheard someone at the grocery store does not mean it is accurate. If you repeat a rumor that is untrue, you are increasing the level of anxiety in the community. There are NO fires or evacuations in American Canyon. Statements saying otherwise are inaccurate, dangerous, and unwanted.

The City Council has regular non-fire business to attend to next Tuesday at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Please click here for the agenda.
Jason Holley
How to Help

The CVNL/Red Cross evacuation center at American Canyon High School is serving displaced Napa County residents and is NOT IN NEED of volunteers or donations at this time. THE SITE SUPERVISOR IS SPECIFICALLY ASKING PEOPLE TO PLEASE NOT BRING DONATIONS OF GOODS TO THE SITE.

If you would like to donate gift cards to be directly given to fire evacuees, please take them to Napa Valley College to the main gym or the American Canyon High School and ask for the County Site Supervisor. Gift cards must be specifically handed to ONLY the County Site Supervisor to be sure they go to the right people who need them. Do not just drop off gift cards to anyone. Napa Valley College and American Canyon High School evacuation centers are not in need of donations or volunteers at this time. 

Register to volunteer to help at the centers by visiting https://cvnl.galaxydigital.com/user/register/. Once you register your information CVNL (the site operator) will reach out to you when/if they need assistance. Please note they are receiving hundreds of volunteers, the community outpouring is wonderfully overwhelming.

Monetary donations may be made to help fire victims online at https://cvnl.org/ or http://www.napavalleycf.org/supporting-napa-county-fire-relief-efforts/

Solano County Fairgrounds Large Animal Evacuation Center – Click here for the latest update, including the donation and volunteer needs list.
Message to American Canyon residents from the Napa County Emergency Operations Center

Today was a good firefighting day, we expect to report an increase in containment numbers later today. The Atlas Fire, as of 7 AM this morning was 27% contained. There are now more than 1,800 personnel, 170 engines, 2 dozen helicopters and air tankers from numerous agencies coordinating firefighting efforts. American Canyon remains the safest place to be in Napa County. Despite this good news, we need to remain vigilant. Winds are expected to increase this evening and into tomorrow. Fire lines will be watched closely and resources will be shifted to address any flare ups. 

American Canyon residents are NOT under any advisory or mandatory evacuation orders. If the situation changes you will be notified immediately through every communication tool possible including Facebook, Nextdoor, email, reverse 911, and worst-case scenario, door-to-door notices. For the most up to date information please sign up for Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777. 

Air Quality Advisory from Napa County 

Multiple fires are currently burning in Napa County that may create a health hazard. If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, you should immediately minimize outdoor activities. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly, are pregnant, or have a child in your care. 

Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. 

Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone in your care experience the following symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include: 

• Repeated coughing 
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing 
• Chest tightness or pain
• Palpitations 
• Nausea or unusual fatigue
• Lightheadedness 

Groups at greater risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: 

• People with respiratory disease (such as asthma) 
• People with heart disease
• Young children
• Older adults 

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event: 

• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise 
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible 
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems 
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution • Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you experience symptoms related to smoke exposure 

For more health related information please click here.  
Visit www.cityofamericancanyon.org/napafirecomplex for more information about travel information, school, and community services.