Novato Fire Protection District

05/28/2026

Academy 2026.1 is officially underway.

Please welcome recruits Dylan, Dalton, Nikolas, Jeffrey, Alec, Bella, Matthew, and Evyn as they begin the next several months of academy training with Novato Fire.

At eight recruits, this is Novato Fire’s largest academy in more than 20 years. The group brings a mix of fire and EMS experience from agencies across the region, including former reserve firefighters and a former NFD Explorer.

Their academy runs through August, when they’ll officially graduate and begin serving the Novato community.

Stay tuned for academy updates throughout the summer!

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day weekend, your Novato firefighters responded alongside Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1, Marin County Open Space Rangers, Novato Police Department, and Marin County Search and Rescue volunteers for a hiker in distress in Novato open space.

Engine 63, Engine 62 with the UTV, Medic 61, and Battalion 63 worked together with allied agencies during the nighttime operation to safely access and remove the patient from difficult terrain.

The patient was rescued using a long line helicopter operation, transferred to a nearby landing zone, and transported by Medic 61 to a local hospital.

Thank you to all agencies involved for the coordinated teamwork and safe operation.

05/21/2026

Our medic units may have all the fancy equipment, but it’s the people that make all of the difference. In honor of EMS Week, we’re recognizing the firefighter paramedics and engineer paramedics of Novato Fire who show up every shift ready to help, problem solve, adapt, and take care of our community through whatever the day brings.

From code 3 calls to lift assists and everything in between, our paramedics bring skill, compassion, humor, and a whole lot of teamwork to every shift.

Thank you for doing the hard stuff, the messy stuff, and the “this definitely wasn’t in the job announcement” stuff for our community every day.

05/17/2026

Congratulations to Captain Bargiacchi, Captain Zagaris, and Prevention Assistant/Fire Inspector Wade on graduating from Leadership Novato!

Through collaboration and community-focused projects, Leadership Novato helps participants better understand and serve the Novato community. We’re proud of our members for stepping up and representing Novato Fire.

Thank you, Leadership Novato for another great year!

05/15/2026

Playing in the sandbox is serious business.

During recent RT-130 refresher training, crews used a wildland fire topography model to walk through scenarios, discuss tactics, and sharpen decision-making ahead of wildland season. Crews also spent time in the classroom reviewing local response areas, mutual aid regions, and lessons learned from past fires.

Now’s the time to:
• Sign up for AlertMarin and Nixle emergency notifications
• Create and maintain defensible space
• Know your evacuation zone and have a plan

We’re prepared. Are you?

05/12/2026

A fire sprinkler system can make all the difference.

Residential fire sprinklers respond quickly to heat, often controlling a fire before it can spread and giving families valuable time to get out safely.

Sprinklers save lives.

🔥🚒 It’s Home Fire Sprinkler Week! 🚒🔥

Did you know that home fire sprinklers can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 90%? These systems respond quickly, often controlling or extinguishing a fire before firefighters even arrive — giving families valuable time to escape safely.

Modern home fire sprinklers are:
✅ Fast-acting
✅ Reliable
✅ Designed to protect lives and property
✅ Activated individually — not all at once

Fire can spread in less than 2 minutes. A home fire sprinkler system helps provide peace of mind when every second counts.

This week, help us spread awareness about the importance of residential fire sprinklers and fire-safe homes. Together, we can save lives.

05/08/2026

Arson awareness starts at home. Talk with kids about the dangers of playing with matches, lighters, and fire, curiosity can turn dangerous in seconds. Safe habits and open conversations can help prevent tragedy.

Arson can unintentionally begin at an early age. Teach children that fire is dangerous—a small flame can quickly grow out of control. Fire is a tool, not a toy, and should only be used by adults.

Support firesetting prevention by forming partnerships between local fire departments and private sector organizations. Together, we can keep our communities safe.
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/arson/

05/07/2026

Continuing our Centennial series, here’s a sneak peek at our upcoming history video featuring retired Deputy Fire Chief Brolan reflecting on how the Novato fire service evolved throughout his career!

05/04/2026

In a galaxy not far away…

Firefighters have been serving the light side and protecting the citizens of Novato for the past century. Thank you for showing up every single day, guided by compassion and a strong connection to the Force. Their legacy will continue to defeat the dark side for the next 100 years and beyond.

Star Wars shows us that heroes are determined by their deeds and not their appearances. It’s what’s underneath the mask that counts, even if their breathing apparatus makes them sound like Darth Vader.

May the 4th be with you and Happy International Firefighters Day.

05/04/2026

If you've visited our administrative office, you’ve likely seen her welcoming you at the front desk or heard her friendly voice on the phone, now Kelley is working behind the scenes as our new Payroll Technician. Join us in congratulating our very own Kelley on her well-deserved promotion!

Kelley is a native to Novato and lives in town with her husband and daughter and has worked for the district since 2023.

Congratulations Kelley!