Fire Operations

The Operations Division's primary responsibility is the protection of life, property, and the environment.  Its workforce is distributed over three platoons and is currently comprised of 63 sworn firefighters, eighteen of which are licensed paramedics.  It is the department’s largest division, accounting for approximately 75% of fire department personnel staff.

Daily Platoon staffing consist of 21 personnel who respond to emergency incidents and requests for service within the city.  The on-duty battalion chief is responsible for all emergency operations during a 24 hour shift.   Fire service delivery is evenly divided throughout the city by four strategically located fire stations capable of arriving to the scene of an emergency within five minutes of the call.  Each fire station houses an engine company, staffed with three personnel.  Additionally, two paramedic units are dedicated to providing immediate advanced medical aid.  Two firefighter/paramedics are assigned to each paramedic unit.  A four person ladder truck also responds to structure fires and rescues within the city.  A technical rescue unit is available for specialized rescue incidents.

The department is a participant of the California Master Mutual Aid system, which assists other jurisdictions throughout the state in times of need, such as major disasters.  Also, the fire department has automatic aid agreements with its surrounding cities to respond or receive assistance when normal fire department resources are unavailable.  All firefighters are trained to state fire marshal standards and receive approximately 20 hours of instruction each month on various topics and continuing education.  Additionally, all the Department's firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and as Hazardous Materials First Responders.