The South San Joaquin County Fire Authority commonly referred to as "South County Fire" is an all-risk fire service provider formed through a Joint Powers Authority.   The Authority is formed pursuant to the provisions of Article 1, Chapter 5, Division 7, Title 1 commencing with section 6500 of the Government Code of the State of California.  As provided in the Government Code, the Authority is a public entity separate from the parties of the agreement.  The current member agencies of the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority are the City of Tracy and the Tracy Rural Fire Protection District.

South County Fire's 170 square mile service area currently includes the City of Tracy and the surrounding rural community in the southern portion of San Joaquin County.  Through the governmental structure of the Authority, fire service is delivered to the community without restriction or concern for jurisdictional boundaries of the member agencies.  In other words, the full strength of the organization and its closest resources will always respond to members and visitors of our community.  The organization has experienced service enhancements through its governance structure such as Advanced Life Support, a Type II Hazardous Materials team, and the use of specialized equipment.