The Camp Meeker Volunteer Fire Department |
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We are located in rural western Sonoma County, CA. approximatly 50 miles north of San
Francisco. Camp Meeker is a small but close community of some 350 homes nestled in
the woods. Originally a logging camp, Camp Meeker became a summer resort, after it
was logged out, for those San Franciscans wishing to escape the cold summers of the
city. The trains that brought summer residents in and lumber out are long gone but
the tourists still come to visit
Occidental (one mile south of Camp Meeker) for the famous Italian Dinner Houses
that continue to serve generous portions to hungry patrons.
The old growth of many redwood and fir trees that at one time covered this area are now gone, but the new growth keeps the C.M.V.F.D. (Camp Meeker Volunteer Fire Department) very busy all year round. Winters are wet and wild, often resulting in multiple power outages because of fallen trees and power lines. The summers are warm and dry which leads to high fire danger during the summer months. These two considerations combine to keep our firefighters very busy throughout the year. The Camp Meeker Volunteer Fire Department has always been finanancially supported by donations from the citizens of Camp Meeker. The CMVFD was first organized in the late 1940's as the result of a greater need for fire protection than the hand to hand fire brigade could provide. It started with a twenty gallon tank on a two wheel cart, with a hand pump and a few feet of hose. This equipment was soon upgraded to an International truck chassis with a 300 gallon tank, hand pump and additional hose. Around 1947 a surplus California State Division of Forestry "crew truck" carrying about 185 gallons of water, one inch hose, and accessories was aquired. This engine, which had been sold to a local rancher was recently purchased by our CMVFD Chief as a personal restoration project. Prior to 1950 it was not uncommon to lose 5 or 6 cabins to one fire. During our recent history we have been able to prevent the spread of fires. In most cases we have saved the structure where the fire began. Our membership comes strictly from the residents of Camp Meeker. Any able bodied person can volunteer. There are many volunteers that are not active firefighters. They organize fundraisers and participate in work parties. The contributions of the nonfirefighting volunteers are as important as any. |
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