The goal of the Fire Operations Division is to maintain a constant state of readiness to respond and protect against injury, loss of life, and/or property damage caused by fire, medical, and emergencies when needed. The division is staffed with well-trained personnel and teams with diverse and highly specialized skill sets to meet the wide-ranging demands of our service area. Because our firefighters are often the first responders to people in need, our personnel provide many other valuable services to the community in addition to fire suppression, including emergency medical treatment, technical rescue services, and response to hazardous material releases. On a daily basis the division staffs and coordinates eight companies, including seven fire engines, a ladder truck, and several specialized support units. The minimum daily operational staffing is 25 personnel.

The initial level of emergency response is dictated by the type and severity of the emergency. A typical medical emergency will respond a single Type 1 Advanced Life Support (ALS) engine and a private ALS ambulance.  Initial response to structure fire incidents includes four (Type 1) fire engines, one ladder truck, a Battalion Chief, and an ALS ambulance. Initial wildland responses include two (Type 3) fire engines, and a Battalion Chief.  South County Fire personnel frequently work in conjunction with firefighting resources from CAL FIRE to protect the wildland-urban interface areas where residential development meets with open space and natural wilderness areas. These operations are often supplemented by Department safety officers, fire investigators, and additional chief officers.  When necessary, the Authority will provide or receive mutual aid from neighboring fire agencies.

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Chief of Operations, the department is managed on a 24/7/365 basis by three Battalion Chiefs. Serving the community around the clock, operations personnel are on duty and at your service every second of every day.