Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Emergency Fire Protection Services in Rancho Santa Fe
Established in 1946, our fire protection district has evolved from a volunteer force into a full-time agency serving over 60,000 residents across 50 square miles. We operate six fire stations and maintain rigorous training programs to ensure rapid response to emergencies. Our team includes specialized personnel for fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services. We conduct comprehensive plan reviews for residential and commercial projects, emphasizing fire sprinkler systems and vegetation management. Our Hazard Abatement Program reduces wildfire risks through year-round vegetation control and community education.We collaborate with regional agencies for large-scale incident response and provide resources for defensible space planning. Our administrative team ensures fiscal responsibility while maintaining high service standards. We prioritize public safety through advanced life support programs and community outreach initiatives. Our board of directors establishes policies that guide our operations and strategic direction. Through decades of service, we have remained committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment in Rancho Santa Fe and surrounding areas.
Services
Fire Protection
Emergency Response
Vegetation Management
Plan Reviews
Wildfire Prevention
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We operate 24/7 with 51 paid fire suppression personnel and advanced life support capabilities.
- Our Hazard Abatement Program reduces wildfire risks through year-round vegetation management.
- We enforce mandatory fire sprinkler systems for all residential constructions and remodels.
- Our team includes certified fire prevention specialists and emergency response planners.
- We maintain partnerships with regional agencies for coordinated large-scale incident response.
Services
Fire Protection
Our full-time fire suppression team provides 24/7 protection across 50 square miles. We maintain specialized equipment for wildland fires and structural emergencies. All personnel complete ongoing training to ensure rapid response capabilities.
Emergency Response
We respond to all fire-related emergencies and medical incidents. Our advanced life support program partners with San Diego EMS for critical care transport. Resources include strike teams for large-scale incidents.
Vegetation Management
Our year-round program reduces wildfire risks through vegetation control. We enforce defensible space requirements and provide annual weed abatement packets to property owners.
Plan Reviews
We review residential and commercial construction plans for fire safety compliance. Mandatory requirements include automatic sprinkler systems and fuel modification zones around structures.
Wildfire Prevention
We educate residents on fire-resistant landscaping and evacuation planning. Our programs include free sharps disposal kits and defensible space inspections to reduce wildfire risks.
People
Dave McQuead
Fire Chief
Leading the district since its formation in 1946, Chief McQuead oversees all operations including emergency response, fire prevention, and administrative functions.
Jim Mickelson
Deputy Chief
Deputy Chief Mickelson manages day-to-day operations and coordinates with regional agencies for large-scale incident response.
Greg O'Gorman
Battalion Chief - Training Officer
Responsible for personnel training programs, ensuring all firefighters meet state-mandated certification requirements.
Marlene Donner
Fire Marshal
Fire Marshal Donner enforces fire safety codes and conducts inspections for commercial and residential properties.
Burgen Havens
Finance Manager
Manages the district's budget and financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining service quality.
Questions
What areas does the Rancho Santa Fe Fire District serve?
We protect Rancho Santa Fe and surrounding communities including 4S-Ranch, Fairbanks Ranch, Cielo, The Crosby, Elfin Forest, and Harmony Grove.
How can residents prepare for wildfires?
Create defensible space by maintaining vegetation zones around structures, install fire sprinkler systems, and participate in our annual weed abatement program.
What construction requirements must property owners follow?
All new residential projects require automatic fire sprinkler systems and approved landscaping plans for fire safety compliance.
Does the district offer emergency medical services?
Yes, we provide advanced life support services through our partnership with San Diego County Emergency Medical Services.
How often are fire prevention inspections conducted?
Annual hazard abatement packets are mailed to all property owners each spring for vegetation management compliance.
What training do firefighters receive?
Personnel complete two hours of job-specific training during each 24-hour shift to maintain skills and learn new techniques.
