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.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

All residents served by San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMCFD) should prepare for all types of emergencies or hazards; including: earthquakes, winter storms, pandemics/flus, etc.

Browse our Emergency Preparedness section to learn how you can prepare your home and family for any emergency.

Links to Other Helpful Emergency Preparedness Information:

American College of Emergency Physicians - Patient-specific emergency information form for children with special healthcare needs.
American Red Cross - Learn more about your local American Red Cross
BAAQMD.gov - Learn more on wildfire safety and air quality with resources from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
DisabilityDisasterAccess.org - Assisting Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults in Disaster Readiness and Recovery
CDC.gov - Checklist of items to include in an emergency kit for families with children and youth with special healthcare needs
RAND.org - Comprehensive guide to implementing evidence-based public health interventions in emergency preparedness.
Ready.gov - Learn how to Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed from the US Dept. of Homeland Security
SF72.org - You’ll find information about what to do in an emergency, simple steps to get connected, and useful guides to help you get prepared
SMC ALERT - Register your information to receive important alerts from San Mateo County's Community Alert System
SMCReady - Disaster Preparedness Information for San Mateo County

Disaster Supply Checklist

Health Connection

Earthquake Preparedness & Safety

Prescription Drug Disposal Information

Emergency Preparedness Checklists