A flea infestation that began at a public playground has forced firefighters to evacuate their temporary station in Fairfax, California, prompting town officials to grant an exception to their strict pesticide ban. The Ross Valley Fire Department's Station 21, which was operating out of a temporary building during renovations, had to relocate its crews to Station 20 in Sleepy Hollow.
The infestation was first reported at Peri Park playground in late July. Parents noted children returning home with flea bites, and it is believed that raccoons in the area contributed to the problem. Initially, the town's ordinance prohibiting pesticide use led to attempts to treat the playground with non-toxic steam.
However, the fleas soon spread to the nearby temporary fire station. By early August, the town council permitted the use of chemical pesticides to address the playground infestation. Despite these efforts, fleas were discovered again inside the fire station, leading to the firefighters' relocation.
"We're in high fire season. This is not the time to be closing firehouses," Vice Mayor Frank Egger stated. Town officials emphasized that emergency services, including 911 response, remain operational, though response times to Fairfax may be slightly longer while crews are stationed outside the town. The town council voted unanimously on Thursday to grant another pesticide exception to allow for the treatment of the fire station's interior.
Fairfax firefighters could potentially return to the station as early as Monday, following the successful treatment of the infestation. The decision to allow pesticides underscores the town's commitment to protecting public services and personnel. 
