The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) is the full-service fire department of San Diego, California.[2] It was established on August 5, 1889. The department responds to over 183,000 calls per year.[2] It covers 343 square miles of service area, including 17 miles of coastline. It is the second-largest municipal fire department in California, after the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Organization
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is divided into two major divisions: Emergency Operations and Support Services. Each of these divisions are commanded by an assistant chief who oversees several subdivisions.[6][7]
Operations
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Operations division oversees daily operations out of 50 fire stations, organized into seven battalions. Each Battalion is commanded by a Battalion Chief and daily operations are commanded by a Deputy Chief of Operations, known as a Shift Commander.[8]
Additionally, the department operates a squad apparatus out of a specialty facility in the San Pasqual Valley area of the city. The department also operates a fire station responsible for San Diego International Airport.
Special operations
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Special Operations Division is commanded by a Deputy Chief that oversees multiple special programs including the Technical Rescue Team, Air Operations, the Metro Arson Strike Team (fire investigators), the Hazardous Materials team, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team, and the Special Trauma and Rescue (STAR/ SWAT medic) team.
SDFD Engine 201 responding from Station 1San Diego Fire Truck 11 on a call in East VillageSDFD Fire Station # 37
Lifeguard services
The San Diego Lifeguard Service operates as a division of the Fire-Rescue Department and is commanded by the Lifeguard Chief. The Lifeguard division operates nine permanent lifeguard stations and several seasonal towers. The Lifeguard division performs water rescues, cliff rescues, EMS, and operates a Boating Safety Unit with several rescue vessels, some of which have firefighting capabilities.
Support services
The Support Services division oversees several subdivisions, including logistics, training and education, the Fire Prevention Bureau, communications, and fiscal/admin services.
History
Before the formation of the San Diego Fire Department in 1889, San Diego's fire protection services were largely volunteer based. On May 17, 1869, the Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company was established with a budget of $250 and a volunteer staff of 50 people. By 1887, San Diego had two horse drawn steam fire engines, a hose wagon with 3,500 feet of hose, eleven horses and a large fire bell purchased for $500 (which is currently on display in front of Fire Station 1). However, up until this point, all fire companies within the city were still volunteer and largely unorganized.
In 1888, a series of disastrous fires occurred in the City of San Diego. In addition to these fires, the City of San Diego saw its population boom from 3,000 in 1880 to 30,000 by 1887. A new city charter was adopted in the spring of 1889 where a provision was made for the organization of a paid fire department. The control of this department was vested in a board of fire commissioners, appointed by the mayor. On August 5, 1889, San Diego established a paid, trained and organized fire protection service called the San Diego Fire Department. The newly formed San Diego Fire Department was led by Chief Engineer A.B. Cairnes.
In 1894, seeing a need for larger ladders to rescue occupants out of the increasing number of tall buildings in San Diego, Chief Cairnes invented and patented the first ever aerial ladder. The sixty foot, two section wooden, horse drawn, aerial ladder was the first of its kind in the United States. Fire departments from all across the country including San Francisco, Chicago and New York purchased this new exciting piece of apparatus from Chief Cairnes.
By 1917, San Diego had become the first major fire department on the West Coast to be totally mechanized. As a result, the last team of fire horses was turned over to the City Yards where they continued their service hauling trash wagons. Also in 1917, the San Diego Fire Department made world-wide publicity by using an “aeroplane” and the crew from Station 4 as the first aerial fire fighting unit. Ultimately the aircraft did not prove practical, but paved the way for continued progression with new ideas throughout the department.
In 1919, San Diego Fire Department made history once again by building the first gasoline powered fire boat in the world. This boat, named the “Bill Ketner” was built by the Firemen assigned to Station 6, which is now the Fire House Museum. The fire boat had the ability to pump ten powerful hose streams and had two deck guns.
This decade also brought about several firsts for minorities in the San Diego Fire Department. In July 1918, Alfredo Salazar became the first Mexican-American Fireman hired by the department. One year later, history was made again by Timothy Augustus Williams, who became the first Black Fireman for the SDFD.
The Fire Department acquired a new central fire alarm station in June 1929, and generally speaking, good conditions prevailed into 1930. There were 206 Fire Department members and 32 pieces of fire equipment, assigned to 20 stations.
By 1933, the department, as did the city itself, felt the full effects of the depression. Three fire stations were closed (Stations 3, 10, and 12). Equipment was curtailed, new personnel was reduced, many members were retired, and the remaining members were placed on a part-time basis. Although the tough economic times prevailed, good editorials and the threat of higher insurance rates helped get the department back to normal by 1935.
During WWII, San Diego saw a major boom in population and building construction. Homes were being built on canyon rims throughout the city and were fast becoming a fire problem. In July 1942, and again, in September 1944, large wildland fires occurred, damaging or destroying several buildings.
San Diego enjoyed great post-war growth and the department expanded to serve this growth. By 1956, the department had 26 Engine Companies, 2 Truck Companies, 1 Fire Boat, 1 Patrol Boat, 25 Fire Stations and 416 Firefighters. Staff positions were also added, including a Training Officer and various Assistant Chiefs to aid in the training and administration of this “major city” fire department.
In 1951, Fire Chief Courser set forth another milestone for the Fire Department. At a time in our history of high racial tension across the country, Chief Courser issued a standing order that integrated the San Diego Fire Department. Prior to this, the African American firefighters were only permitted to work at station 19 at 35th and Ocean View Blvd. Chief Courser stated, “you will work side by side each other as one, if there was any man not willing to abide by this order then they should quit.” This change in department policy would lead to fairer and more competitive promotional process for minorities on the job.
In July 1969, due to increasing workload and responses being fielded by San Diego Firefighters, a need for more personnel was warranted. The 56-hour workweek and the three-platoon schedule as the department knows it today, was implemented. This new schedule resulted in an expansion of the Fire Department staff by approximately one-third, thus creating “C” Division.
In February 1979, Paramedic service began for the City of San Diego, provided by the medevac corporation. There were only three Paramedic units that were originally placed in the city, Medic-1, Medic-12, and Medic-17. Historically, ambulance service to the citizens of San Diego had been provided by the Police Department. There was very little emergency medical training for these officers and even less pre-hospital care given to their patients. It was not uncommon for one of these ambulances to pick up multiple patients from several locations on their way to the hospital.
July 1980 through August 1981, the SDFD trained and graduated all of its personnel as EMT's. This marked the start of a new modern day image as a fire department. No longer would SDFD just respond to fires and rescues, but medical aid responses would soon steer the department down a new but necessary path.
In 1992, the San Diego Fire Department was designated as the sponsoring agency for San Diego County's newly formed Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8. It was also during this year when San Diego established a First Responder Paramedic-Engine program.
By 1993, the department had 15 fire engines designated as “Medic-Engines” utilizing a Firefighter/Paramedic. These 15 engine companies were selected based on their run volume and the extended response times by ambulances to their districts. The success of the Firefighter/Paramedic program soon became evident and set the groundwork for the future of the department.
In 1994, the city and department executed a lease with the U.S. Navy at the Camp Nimitz Naval Training Center in Point Loma. Due to the closure of the facility by the Navy, the Fire Department was able to establish its new training facility on the site. Prior to this, training was administered and conducted at numerous sites including Headquarters, Station 28, and Miramar College.
By 1998, sweeping change had come to the San Diego Fire Department. Due to restructuring of City Services, the Lifeguard Service was brought under the command of the Fire Chief, and a new controversial, yet one of a kind, EMS system had been created, known as the San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, eventually leading the department to make all of its engine and truck companies ALS level first responder units.
Companies/Apparatus
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department operates several different types of companies with their assigned apparatus serving specialized functions.
Engine companies
The Type I Triple Combination Pump, or Engine Company, as it is most commonly referred to, is the backbone of the San Diego fire service.
The Engine Company is characterized by having hose, water, and a pump. SDFD Engine companies also carry an assortment of ground ladders, hand tools, and a limited complement of rope and power tools for forcible entry, rescue, and auto extrication.
SDFD Engine companies are staffed by four crew members: An officer (Captain), Driver (Engineer), and two firefighters.
An Engine Company's primary fire ground duties are to perform search and rescue, extinguishment of fires, assist with ventilation, salvage, and overhaul.
Truck companies
A Truck Company is tasked with rescue, raising ladders, ventilation, forcible entry, securing utilities among many other essential duties which support Engine Companies during the extinguishment of structure fires and emergency incidents. A truck company can be thought of as a giant mobile tool box with specialized equipment, ground ladders and a large aerial ladder with the ability to flow water from. SDFD operates a combination of rear-mount aerial apparatus and tractor-drawn aerial apparatus.
SDFD Truck companies carry a selection of ladders, including a mounted aerial ladder and a minimum of 163 ft of ground ladders. Truck companies also carry an assortment of hand tools, salvage and overhaul equipment, hydraulically powered rescue tools, high & low angle rope rescue equipment, ventilation fans, portable generators, lighting, chain saws, circular saws, and a variety of electric power tools and saws.
SDFD Truck companies are staffed by four crew members: An officer (Captain), Driver (Engineer), and two firefighters.
US&R companies
Housed at stations 2 and 41, US&R companies are staffed by members of SDFD's Technical Rescue Team, and perform traditional responsibilities of a Heavy Rescue company. US&R companies respond to all greater alarm fires in the City of San Diego, and all High Rise alarms. US&R companies also respond to various rescues such as vehicle, swift-water, confined space, trench, structure collapse, vertical and other miscellaneous rescues. US&R apparatus have a pre plumbed hydraulic power unit capable of running Amkus and Hurst power tools and an on-board air compressor for air actuated tools.
Hazardous materials companies
SDFD has two Hazardous Materials apparatus, known as "HazMat" units. The department also maintains an additional apparatus provided by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. HazMat units are used to investigate and mitigate Hazardous Materials incidents, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD) city and countywide. These apparatus include a computer lab in the front cab and a chemistry lab in rear. HazMat units also carry Level A & B suits along with other specialized equipment to monitor and detect hazardous materials.
Brush apparatus
Type III - Engine Companies are commonly referred to as Brush Rigs, and are used primarily for wildland firefighting purposes. They are designed to perform such functions as off-road driving, mobile pumping (pump water while driving), and carry larger quantities of water. Type III apparatus are crossstaffed by personnel from an Engine or Truck company when requested or may be staffed full-time during extreme fire/weather conditions.
Water tenders
SDFD water tenders are capable of carrying 2950 gallons of water for refilling apparatus. They also have side spray, rear spray and a front bumper turrets. Housed at Stations 28, 29 and 40.
Light and air
Housed at stations 1 and 40, Light & Air apparatus are used to provide additional lighting (mast and portable) and SCBA bottles for various incidents. These apparatus also have the ability to refill air bottles on scene via a cascade and compressor system as well as fill air bottles remotely via hose reels.
Foam tender
Foam 28 carries 400 gallons of Class A foam, 800 gallons of Class B foam, and a Compressed Air Foam System(CAFS). The main purpose of Foam 28 is to provide protection for the gasoline tank farm located in Mission Valley and at Montgomery Field, however it can be used for large structure fires and wildland hoselays.
Bomb Squad
Known as EDT/X-Ray 1, this apparatus is cross-staffed by Certified Bomb Technicians who are members of SDFD's Explosive Disposal Team. Carries a variety of tools to investigate and mitigate various explosive incidents including Drager Breathing Apparatus, Bomb Suits and a Bomb Disposal Robot. EDT personnel are also responsible for the departments Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, and will respond to greater alarm fires for aerial reconnaissance.
Helicopters
SDFD currently operates two helicopters, each staffed by 3 personnel: a pilot, crew chief, and rescue medic. SDFD's helicopters are based at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport,[9] and utilized county wide for Firefighting, Rescues and Medical Transport. SDFD's helicopters and crew are capable of night operations, equipped with night vision goggles, FLIR infrared cameras, and "night sun" spot lights.
Copter 1, a Bell 212 Twin Engine Type II Medium Lift Aircraft was Manufactured in 1984 and overhauled in 2005. Can carry up to 8 personnel, has a 375-gallon water tank, refillable in less than 25 seconds in as little as 18” of water, and 250 feet of hoist cable with a 600 lb capability. In July 2023, SDFD removed Copter 1 (N281SD) from the list of active fire apparatus. The 43 year old helicopter suffered structural damage due to its age, and was removed from operation for safety. SDFD is currently in the process of assessing a replacement for Copter 1.
Copter 2, a Bell 412HP Twin Engine Type II Medium Lift Aircraft was Manufactured in 2008 and. Can carry up to 8 personnel, has a 375-gallon water tank, refillable in less than 25 seconds in as little as 18” of water, and 250 feet of hoist cable with a 600 lb capability.
Copter 3, a Sikorsky S-70i FireHawk Twin Engine Type I aircraft, was manufactured in 2018 has a 1,000 gallon water tank refillable in approximately 45 seconds, and 250 feet of hoist cable with a 600 lb capability.
Command vehicles
S.U.V.’s or Pick-up trucks assigned to Battalion Chiefs, the Shift Commander, and other variations assigned to support staff and senior staff. These vehicles are used as a mobile command post during emergencies and carry a complement of radios, monitoring screens, maps, and various equipment for training and operations such as spare BA bottles, tools, BLS medical equipment and an ice chest.
Stations and facilities
Specialty facilities
Location/Name
Address
Apparatus
Air Operations Base
4302 Ponderosa Ave.
Copter 2, Copter 3, Air Operations 1, Air Operations 2, Heli Fuel Tender 1 & 2
Emergency Command & Dispatch Center
3750 Kearny Villa Rd.
Communications 1
SDFD Fire Station # 38SDFD Fire Station # 40
Battalion 1
Battalion 1 is responsible for the following Fire Stations: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and the ARFF Station at San Diego International Airport. Battalion 1 is Headquartered at Fire Station 2.
Fire Station Number
Address
Engine Company
Truck Company
Medic Unit
Other units
1
1222 First Ave.
Engine 1, Engine 201
Truck 1
Medic 1
Light & Air 1, X-Ray 1, Chemical 1, USAR Utility 1, Utility 81, MAST Captain, MAST Engineer
Battalion 5 is responsible for the following Fire Stations: 9, 13, 16, 24, 35, 41, 47, 50, and 52. Battalion 5 is Headquartered at Fire Station 50.
Fire Station Number
Address
Engine Company
Truck Company
Medic Unit
Brush Unit
Other units
9
7870 Ardath Ln.
Engine 9
Medic 9
UDC Trailer (Unified Disaster Counsel),
13
809 Nautilus St
Engine 13
16
2110 Via Casa Alta
Engine 16
24
13077 Hartfield Ave.
Engine 24
Medic 24
Brush 24
35
4285 Eastgate Mall
Engine 35
Truck 35
Medic 35
Brush 35
Utility 85
41
4914 Carroll Canyon Rd.
Engine 41
Medic 41
USAR 41, USAR Utility, Rapid Air Cushion(RAC)
47
6041 Edgewood Bend Ct.
Engine 47
50
7177 Shoreline Dr.
Engine 50
Medic 50
Falck Medic Supervisor 72
52
10281 N Torrey Pines Rd.
Engine 52
Battalion Chief 5
Battalion 6
Battalion 6 is responsible for the following Fire Stations: 6, 12, 19, 29, 30, 32, 43 and 51. Battalion 6 is Headquartered at Fire Station 12.
Fire Station Number
Address
Engine Company
Truck Company
Medic Unit
Brush Unit
Other units
6
693 Twining Ave.
Engine 6
12
4964 Imperial Ave.
Engine 12
Truck 12
Medic 12
Brush 12
Battalion Chief 6, Utility 86
19
3434 Ocean View Blvd.
Engine 19
Medic 19
29
198 W. San Ysidro Blvd.
Engine 29
Truck 29
Medic 29
Brush 29
Water Tender 29
30
2265 Coronado Ave.
Engine 30
Medic 30
32
484 Briarwood Rd.
Engine 32
Medic 32
43
1590 La Media Rd.
Engine 43
Medic 43
Brush 43
51
7180 Skyline Dr.
Engine 51
Medic 51
Battalion 7
Battalion 7 is responsible for the following Fire Stations: 33, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and quarters for Squad 57. Battalion 7 is Headquartered at Fire Station 44
Fire Station Number
Address
Engine Company
Truck Company
Medic Unit
OES Unit or Brush Unit
Other units
33
16966 Bernardo Center Dr.
Engine 33
Medic 33
OES Brush 6301
37
11640 Spring Canyon Rd.
Engine 37
Medic 37
Brush 37
Falck Medic Supervisor 71
38
8441 New Salem St.
Engine 38
Medic 38
40
13393 Salmon River Rd.
Engine 40
Truck 40
Medic 40
Brush 40
Light & Air 40, Water Tender 40, Utility 40
42
12119 World Trade Dr.
Engine 42
Medic 42
44
10011 Black Mountain Rd.
Engine 44
Truck 44
Medic 44, Medic 244
Brush 44
Battalion Chief 7, Utility 87
46
14556 Lazanja Dr.
Engine 46
Squad 57
17701 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Squad 57
Low staffing issues
San Diego Engine Company Strike Team
The San Diego Fire Department is somewhat understaffed compared to comparable fire departments. For example, the fire department has about one firefighter per 1469 residents, compared to one fire fighter per 421 residents in San Francisco.[10] In comparison with other major cities with populations over 1 million, such as Los Angeles.
References
^"Department History". San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
^ abc"About SDFD". San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
^"Budget". San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Archived from the original on 17 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
