About RSWD:

Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services

In October of 1962, fire protection became the second service provided for the community by the District. Until that time, fire protection for the area had been provided by an all volunteer fire department comprised of a group of concerned citizens. Through donations and contributions, this group of dedicated citizens established a community fire department. As the needs of the community outgrew the ability of the volunteer fire department to provide and maintain this service there was a recognized need for change. Because of the increased community need, a comprehensive study was conducted to determine the best method of providing fire protection. The alternatives considered were a County Fire Department, consolidating with existing mountaintop fire departments and contracting for fire protection. After adjacent agencies declined to provide fire services and after the feasibility of the other alternatives were ruled out, it was decided that the District had the authority and the ability to provide fire protection services. Primarily, it was determined this would be the most effective alternative, while at the same time, would allow local control by an already established governmental agency.

While the fundamental purpose of the District's Fire Department is the protection of life and property from fire, several operational functions are provided by the Fire Department as well. These functions include a variety of public assistance services, field emergency medical care services, ambulance transportation services, and community education and awareness programs. Of the services provided, the greatest public emphasis and need has been in the area of field emergency medical care. Over the years, medical aid responses have grown to the point where they significantly outnumber fire related responses. In an attempt to provide better service and better meet the needs of the community, in September 1978 the District's Fire Department implemented advanced life support (paramedics) into its medical care services. With the implementation of advanced life support procedures, the District's Fire Department became the first fire agency in the San Bernardino Mountains to provide a 24-hour continuous paramedic program.

In 1984, to enhance its emergency medical care system, the District’s Board of Directors authorized the Fire Department to provide ambulance transportation services. Until this time, ambulance service had been provided by the Lake Arrowhead Fire Protection District. Improved patient care, public need and economics were the primary reasons for the Directors authorization of this additional service. The ambulance service boundary includes Running Springs, Smiley Park, Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake, Snow Valley and along State Highway 18 to Lake View Point. The ambulance coverage also includes State Highway 330 to City Creek Ranger Station. The Fire Department currently operates from two fire stations located within the District boundaries.