COLUSA, CA (MPG) — August was an active month for both the Colusa Police and Fire departments, with each agency balancing enforcement, community engagement, and training as the city transitioned into the school season.
Colusa Police Department
Police Chief Josh Fitch reported that officers handled 319 calls for service and assisted other agencies 32 times in August, a slight decrease from July. Officers made 18 in-custody arrests, issued two citations in lieu of arrest, and documented five domestic violence incidents.
Traffic enforcement remained steady, with 312 traffic stops resulting in 92 citations for violations including speeding, cell phone use, and stop sign infractions. Two non-injury collisions and one DUI arrest were reported.
With schools back in session, Fitch said traffic congestion has improved near Egling Middle School thanks to new drop-off procedures. He urged drivers to obey crossing guards and avoid U-turns near school zones.
Code enforcement efforts continued, with officers tagging vehicles that had not moved in more than 120 hours under City Code 11-8(Z) and issuing citations for improper parking, such as vehicles facing the wrong direction or parked more than 18 inches from the curb.
Colusa Fire Department
Fire Chief Logan Conley reported that August was busy for local firefighters, who participated in multiple out-of-county strike team deployments to the Green, Garnet, Gifford, and TCU September Lightning Complex fires.
Locally, firefighters conducted live-fire training at the Pirelli Cable property, completed fire safety inspections, and issued one red tag to a marijuana extraction facility. Crews also performed maintenance on department apparatus to ensure readiness.
The department currently operates with six full-time and 18 volunteer firefighters. Three new volunteers joined in August, bringing total membership to 27. Staffing remains a challenge, though two per-diem members who joined Cal Fire will continue to volunteer locally.
Community outreach remains a focus through Fire Prevention Month assemblies, station tours, and EMS standby for Colusa RedHawks football games. Conley also noted ongoing plans to acquire a new ladder truck, replace an aging command vehicle, and update 10- to 15-year-old defibrillators.
“Our team continues to stay active both in the community and on the fireline,” Conley said. “We’re focused on preparedness, safety, and maintaining the high level of service our residents expect.”