HISTORY

HISTORY

The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.

SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.

The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.

The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.

The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.

SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.

The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.

The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.

DIVISIONS

ADMINISTRATION

Fire Administration sets department policy, maintains all records and provides administrative support to the organization.

COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION

BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION & LIFE SAFETY

The primary responsibilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Life Safety is to enforce all applicable state and local fire codes and standards, as well as conduct fire investigations. Our full-time fire inspectors, certified by the California State Fire Marshal, are cross-trained in both fire inspections and investigations.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

The Fire Department manages and maintains emergency plans and training of City staff and community members. The Fire Chief and City Manager coordinate planning, training and preparation for response to major emergencies or natural disasters. San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMCFD) public safety personnel will make every effort to meet the needs of local citizens as soon as possible, at the onset of a disaster.

FIELD OPERATIONS

The Operations Division responds to “all hazards” in the community. Personnel must be prepared for fires, explosions, trauma/medical related incidents, hazardous materials releases, transportation related accidents, natural and man-made disasters, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the rescue of trapped victims. This division also responds to all manner of non-emergency calls for service to assist citizens when there is no one else available to provide assistance. These calls include pumping flooded basements, securing downed wires, and seeking out the source of potentially dangerous odors or other similarly related calls for service.

TRAINING

The Training Division delivers programs that develop and maintain multiple skill sets for our emergency response personnel and also strives to enhance the leadership development within the department.