Mariposa County Fire Department supports the county with 14 volunteer stations located throughout the county. If you are 18 years of age and possess a valid CA driver’s license, we would love to hear from you!  Positions are available for fire, medical, and various support duties.  No experience necessary – we will train you! – Please call (209) 966-4330 today for more information!

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Safety Tip: Portable Heater Safety

When the weather turns cold, it can bring a chill into our homes. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or heat one room. If you plan to use portable electric space heaters make sure to follow these tips and recommendations:

• Purchase a heater with the seal of an independent testing laboratory.
  
  
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.
  
  
• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
  
  
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
  
  
• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
  
  
• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic.
  
  
• Never block an exit.
  
  
• Keep children away from the space heater.
  
  
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
  
  
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.
  
  Most importantly be sure you have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test your smoke alarms every month. Smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injury.