Full Notification

This week, the Fremont Fire Department (FFD) in collaboration with Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 launched “Project Keep Warm,” a program designed to help reduce the number of warming fires initiated by the unsheltered.
 
 “The purpose of Project Keep Warm is to provide a measure of relief and reduce the number of warming fire-related incidents by providing people experiencing homelessness with a portable four-layer thermal insulated blanket,” said Deputy Chief Amiel Thurston.
 
“Through outreach and education on the risks associated with uncontrolled warming fires, Fremont Firefighters will be taking a proactive step forward in reducing the fire threat to our community,” added Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 President Anthony Herrera.
 
The fire department’s traditional response to warming fires has been to extinguish the fire, increase patrols of the area, and in some cases to work with other stakeholders to abate homeless encampments. While extinguishment and enforcement meet the interests of the residential and commercial communities, its impacts are often temporary as the homeless reestablish themselves in other areas or return to the same location.
 
To begin the program, the FFD, with assistance from Human Services, Community Services, Environmental Services and the Fremont Police Department will go to known homeless encampments within the city and distribute one blanket to each homeless person. The FFD will also carry blankets on fire apparatus and provide them when responding to calls for service with a nexus to homelessness.
 
Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 has agreed to donate towards the initial cost of the blankets. Contributions towards ongoing costs will come from Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 fundraising efforts and partnerships with other community outreach and service organizations.
 
If you have any questions about Project Keep Warm or would like to help support the program, please email [email protected] or call (510) 494-4200.