Most people don't know that a small fire district exists to provide fire protection services for a limited number of rural homes on the outskirts of Ceres.

The Ceres Fire Protection District does exist - and has since 1930 - and its three-member board is in need of a member. The resignation of Harlan Smith means there is a vacancy. A new board member is needed to serve along with Jerry Hancock and Robert Rensted. According to Stan Sinclear who does administrative work for the district, the board only meets the third Thursday of even-numbered months, hence February, April, June, August, October and December.

The district contracts for services with the Ceres Fire Department.

Sinclear said the Ceres Fire Protection District encompasses the area outside of the Ceres city limits to the Tuolumne River on the north, to Faith Home Road on the east and Redwood and Keyes Roads on the south. It includes the unincorporated area of the county south of Industrial Avenue.

A person must live within the district in order to be considered for appointment to the board. Anyone interested should check their property tax bill to verify that they are included in the Ceres Fire Protection District. A small stipend is paid to board members.

Interested persons should contact Sinclear at 402-6006.