In a city where wildfire risk looms year-round, the job of fire marshal is one of the most important in public safety. Petaluma has a new person in that role: Fire Marshal Amy Segui, a seasoned professional who now leads the Fire Prevention Bureau. Her appointment comes as the department, under Chief Jeff Schach, uses voter-approved funding to double down on prevention and preparedness.
For many, the title “fire marshal” conjures up the image of someone sifting through ashes after a blaze. That’s part of the work, but Segui’s focus is on stopping disasters before they start. The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews building plans so new homes and businesses meet modern safety standards, and inspectors make sure schools, apartments, and local shops keep alarms, sprinklers, and exits in working order.
One of the most visible jobs is vegetation management — better known as weed abatement. Segui’s office oversees the City’s free Community Wood Chipper Program, which helps residents clear brush and create defensible space. The office also has the authority to enforce abatement, even billing property owners who don’t deal with hazardous vegetation. It’s a tough but necessary tool to keep neighborhoods safe…