Representatives from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District attend the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce ACCESS luncheon on June 16 at the Citrus Heights Event Center. From left are Captain James Ellis, Director Robert Webber, Chief Adam House, Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick, Fire Marshal Amy Nygren and Fire Marshal Dana Freeman.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - As the Fourth of July approaches and fire danger rises across the region, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District leaders used a gathering of local business and community leaders to discuss how the agency is preparing for the busy holiday season and addressing public safety challenges throughout the region.

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce monthly ACCESS Luncheon took place on June 17 at the Citrus Heights Event Center, where Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Fire Chief Adam House outlined the agency’s evolving role in public safety and Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Amy Nygren discussed increased enforcement efforts aimed at reducing fireworks-related fires and injuries.

House, who was sworn in as the district’s seventh fire chief in August 2023, told attendees he was honored to serve the community.

“I'm humbled, first off, to be in a room with community members that are dedicated to make all of us better,” House said.

According to House, Metro Fire is the largest fire agency in Sacramento County, serving approximately 730,000 residents around the clock and nearly a million people during business hours across 359 square miles. The district is the seventh-largest fire department in California.

House said the agency’s formation in 2000, which combined 16 predecessor fire agencies, allowed Metro Fire to provide services that individual departments would have struggled to offer independently.

“We're stronger together,” House said.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Fire Marshal Amy Nygren discussed increased enforcement efforts aimed at reducing fireworks-related fires and injuries during Independence Day celebrations.

Among those services are specialized operations, including hazardous materials response, rescue teams and air operations. Metro Fire operates four helicopters, a capability House said is uncommon for a county fire department and provides critical support during large-scale incidents, including wildfires.

In Citrus Heights, Metro Fire operates four stations, including Station 21, home to the district’s heavy rescue unit, and Station 23, a truck, engine and medic house which is scheduled for a long-awaited rebuild funded through Measure O revenues, as well as Station 27 and 28.

While firefighting remains a core responsibility, House said the district’s mission has expanded significantly over the years.

“We had to evolve to the community’s needs,” House said.

That evolution includes emergency medical services, behavioral health partnerships and the district’s Mobile Integrated Health program, which pairs firefighters with nurse practitioners or physician assistants to assist residents experiencing non-emergency medical or behavioral health issues.

House said the program helps connect people with appropriate care while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits.

“We are actively working at really a simple concept, just getting the right resource on scene,” he said.

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce ambassadors stand alongside new chamber members at the June ACCESS Luncheon on June 16.

House also highlighted the district's response capabilities, noting that Metro Fire’s emergency response times are faster than the national average. The agency uses advanced technology, including aerial drone programs and predictive planning tools, to identify risks and allocate resources effectively.

As Independence Day celebrations draw near, House emphasized the importance of fire prevention and introduced Nygren to discuss the district’s annual fireworks safety campaign.

“Our concern is public safety,” Nygren said. “It gets heightened at the Fourth of July.”

Nygren said Metro Fire responded to approximately 1,600 calls between July 1 and July 5 last year. Fireworks caused 53 fires during that period, and at least one fireworks-related injury was reported.

With hot temperatures and dry conditions already present this summer, officials expect another busy holiday weekend.

“We are going to see fires occur and Injuries happen,” said Nygren.

Metro Fire leads a regional fireworks task force that includes fire agencies, law enforcement, code enforcement officials and public information officers. The district also conducts inspections of fireworks stands and public displays throughout the region.

In Citrus Heights, officials will inspect approximately 23 fireworks booths and oversee safety measures for the city's Stars and Stripes Celebration.

Nygren urged residents to avoid illegal fireworks, noting that Citrus Heights has strengthened penalties for violations.

“If you’ve got your display and you’re shooting off five of those illegal fireworks, that’s a $5,000 fine," she said, explaining that fines are now assessed per device rather than per incident.

Officials encouraged residents who choose to use fireworks to purchase only state-approved “safe & sane” products, keep water nearby, properly dispose of used fireworks and remain mindful of neighbors, veterans, children and pets who may be affected by the noise.

“Leave fireworks to the professionals,” Nygren said.

The next ACCESS Luncheon is scheduled for July 21 and will feature Lisa Cardoza, president of American River College. For more information and tickets visit https://chchamber.com/.