Napa Fire Gears Up For BottleRock

   The City of Napa Fire Department has added staffing and put a plan in place to deal with the anticipated increase in calls for service during the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival, said Fire Capt. Steve Becker.

The festival starts tomorrow with a shorter, "locals" night from about 4 to 10 p.m. From Thursday through Sunday, the event runs from about 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"The department will have an additional engine company staffed and positioned on the east side of Silverado Trail to ensure acceptable response times to incidents that may take place east of the Napa Expo where the event is being held," Becker said.

"In addition, this engine will be able to easily access the Expo grounds in order to augment the additional fire department members assigned to monitor and assist with the medical needs of the event itself," he said.

 Becker said the department has assigned up to six firefighters and one Battalion Chief to the interior of the event.   In addition to monitoring medical response and care, the added staffing will allow for quick response to any type of fire or rescue incident, he said. 

"These personnel are also assigned to work with the State Fire Marshal in ensuring a fire safe event," Becker added. "Duties will include ensuring exits and fire lanes are clear, open flames and compressed gas cylinders are managed properly around tents and that any emergency incident is properly responded to and managed."

 In addition, Becker offered the following fire safe suggestions to the public:

-- The motoring public can assist emergency responders by pulling to the right side of the roadway for emergency vehicles.   This includes if the vehicle is coming towards you from the front.

-- Those with cooking duties should use fire-safe cooking methods, including not leaving pots and pans unattended, and ensuring smoke detectors are present and operational along with working fire extinguishers. 

-- Everyone should remember to drink plenty of water and dress appropriately for the expected weather conditions.   Hydration and sunscreen can work wonders for providing a safe, comfortable event.  

"The Napa Fire Department reminds you that we are always here and always ready to serve you with pride and excellence, but that prevention and preparation are always preferred to an emergency!," Becker said.