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Fire
Department Website > Fire Protection Service Information
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.
Fire
Department Website >
Emergency Medical Service Information
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.
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