The mission of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority is the protection of life and property from fire and other natural and man-made events. In fulfilling this mission the following services are provided:

Emergency Medical Response

• Will respond immediately with the highest level of field emergency medical personnel available, with complete and up-to-date equipment and apparatus, to provide Advanced Life Support Services utilizing the latest in approved medical protocols.

Emergency Fire and Hazards Response

• To mitigate fire, explosion, rescue, hazardous materials, and all other such emergencies with the greatest protection of, and least loss to, the welfare of individuals and property.

Fire Prevention

• Implement programs which apply and enforce fire and life safety laws and regulations.

Public Education and Information

• Design and deliver programs to the citizens which will prepare them to better prevent and mitigate emergency incidents.

Disaster Preparedness

• Assist in maintaining and coordinating the Disaster Preparedness Program of the City.

Emergency Scene Investigation

• Determine the cause and origin of fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents in an effort to reduce future losses and provide information to interested parties.

Public Assistance

• Respond to requests for service from the public when those services are not otherwise assigned to other public agencies.

The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, as a cohesive organization, strives to provide these services in a well-planned, cost-effective and professional manner through the best utilization of the equipment, facilities, and training provided us by the citizens of the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Valley.

FIRE INFORMATION LINKS

How to Apply to Serve on the UVFD Board of Directors

• Vacancy Announcement – Expires 4/3/2023
• Verification of Eligibility Form

Ukiah Valley Fire District Volunteer Program

Volunteer Recruiter: Captain, Robb Ramseier

• Volunteer Firefighter Application
• Volunteer Firefighter Job Description And Requirements

Smoke Detectors

The common use of smoke detectors has only been with us since about 1970. In 1972, less than 5% of homes had smoke detectors. Today, over 93% of homes have smoke detectors. These devices, simple and inexpensive, have proven repeatedly to be a reliable means of alerting occupants of buildings to the presence of fire. This alerting process is based upon particles of smoke in the air, so occupants can get out before a fire grows to a point that they are unable to escape. Another very important consideration is that the majority of people who succumb in fires die of the effects of smoke inhalation, and are dead long before they are subjected to the effects of heat or flame. There are a variety of smoke detectors. Some use batteries only, and some are wired into the electrical system of your house. Some use both house current and batteries. Smoke detectors should be placed in sleeping areas, in hallways leading to sleeping areas, and otherwise so that they can be heard from any point within a building. Some occupancies, such as apartments, motels, and care facilities, are required by law to have operating smoke detectors. All new residential construction is required to have smoke detectors. SMOKE DETECTORS WORK! A SMOKE DETECTOR CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE! Have a smoke detector; test it to be sure it works, and change the batteries twice a year.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are a relatively new means of notification of an undesirable change in conditions within your home. These detectors are generally applied only to one-and two-family residences. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion process and is an invisible and odorless gas. The presence of carbon monoxide does not necessarily mean that there is an uncontrolled fire. Carbon monoxide is commonly produced by internal combustion engines and can be easily produced by gas or fuel heaters that are not functioning properly. These detectors should not be relied upon solely for notification of fires–used in conjunction with smoke detectors.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are “first aid” equipment for fires. They are adequate for putting out small fires that are just starting when the user is comfortable approaching the fire and trying to extinguish it. Fire extinguishers, properly used, can be very effective in extinguishing fires.

There are several classes of extinguishers, and the user should be aware of what type of extinguisher they are using. Extinguishers should be of adequate size, should be mounted near exits where they can be readily seen and accessed and must be properly maintained. The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority recommends a fire extinguisher of minimum classification 2A:10BC for home use. The same type of fire extinguisher can be used in automobiles. If you are covering an area of more than 3000 square feet, or if you are doing operations with a high fire potential (cutting, welding, etc.) you should have more fire extinguishers.

Always call the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority first! If you can’t put out the fire, get out, closing doors behind you.

Fire Sprinklers and Fire Extinguishing Systems

Certain occupancies, such as large buildings or those with special operations, are required to have specialized systems for extinguishing fires if they occur. These systems may include water sprinklers, wet chemical extinguishers, deluge systems, special chemicals, etc. For the particular application, these systems are extremely successful in controlling fires before they get out of control. Fire sprinkler systems generally put out a fire with only one or two heads; and reduce the fire loss by a considerable amount; as well as reducing the loss of productivity and revenue.

General Fire Safety Considerations

Fire safety is basically common sense. Fire is a common occurrence and is a routinely accepted necessity when properly managed. When it is out of control, it can be extremely destructive, and even dangerous. Awareness is essential in obtaining fire safety. First, be aware that, given the right circumstances, almost anything will burn. No one is exempt from having an unfriendly fire. Secondly, be aware of what causes fires. There are many sources of ignition that cause fire, such as matches; heating appliances; materials subject to spontaneous combustion; cooking appliances; vehicles; yard tools; etc. The easy to avoid having an unfriendly fire is to keep the things that will burn away from the things that will catch them on fire.

Weed Abatement

The purpose of this standard is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris through voluntary compliance.

The Weed Abatement Requirements and Inspections standard outlines the weed abatement requirements and inspection procedures within the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority jurisdiction; in an effort to reduce the risk of vegetation fuels that endanger public safety by creating a fire hazard.

Code References – California Health & Safety Code (H&S) Section 14875 & 14876; California Code of Regulation (CCR) Title 19 Section 3.07 (b); California Fire code (CFC) Section 304.1, 304.1.2; California Public Resources Code (PRC) section 4291; Ukiah City Code.

To file a complaint, please fill out the form below and email it to fireprevention@cityofukiah.com

• Weed Abatement Complaint Form

The Fire Department has adopted a fee schedule which is applied to the various functions performed by the Fire Prevention Office located at 300 Seminary Ave., Civic Center, Building Dept.

Contacts: Matt Keizer and Waylon Hockemier (707) 463-5786 Inspections (707) 463-6739

• Fire Prevention Office Fee Schedule 2020 for Inspections and Permits
• Fire Permit Application
• NFPA 1142 Tank Water Supply Standard
• Water Supply Tank Standard
• Online Permit Submittal – Citizenserve

Fire Preparedness Across the Ukiah Valley

Along with the beauty provided by our valley’s rolling hills and abundance of trees comes the annual threat of wildfires. With proactive actions, wise allocation of resources, and a strong network of collaborations, the Ukiah Valley is continually working to protect our region from the increasing threat of wildfires.

Here are the steps we’ve taken

Ukiah Valley Fire District Annexation

In November 2021, the Ukiah Valley Fire Protection District increased its service territory to include the City of Ukiah within its boundaries, creating a unified district that serves the entire Ukiah Valley. The annexation means that City residents – who account for approximately two-thirds of the calls for emergency service – will contribute the same small annual fee currently paid by other District residents through voter-approved Measures J and B to fund fire and paramedic services. While this annexation of service territory helped meet the growing needs of our region, the annual costs of meeting increasing service demands are still higher than existing revenues.

To meet the growing demand for emergency service response, the Ukiah Valley Fire District has placed a local funding measure on the November 2024 ballot for voter consideration. If approved by a two-thirds vote, Measure V would generate additional revenues to help ensure the following fire and medical emergency response improvements:

• More firefighters and paramedics: A minimum of 33 firefighters are required to serve the Ukiah Valley. With a more secure and robust source of funding, the Fire Authority can increase our ranks of full-time firefighters and paramedics.
  
  
• New and improved equipment: Additional revenue would allow the Fire Authority to purchase more modern equipment in order to be prepared for increasingly dangerous fire seasons.
  
  
• Faster response times to increased emergency call volume:
  In 2014, the Fire District responded to 2,800 calls, increasing 65% to 4,620 in 2023. Projections for 2024 are nearly 5,000 calls. Additional funding would allow the District to send the recommended “Engine Companies” (3 firefighters) to respond to emergencies instead of “Engine Couples” (2 firefighters), improving service and firefighter safety.
  
  

Additional details about Measure V on the November 2024 ballot

Forward-looking planning and collaboration with partners

Wildfires are spreading farther, faster, and with more regularity than ever before. Protecting our region requires a coordinated approach. The City of Ukiah is functioning as a central organizing entity in order to ensure that local, regional, and statewide partners are working collaboratively to achieve our common goal. Together, our local electric utility department, parks department, public works department, and Cal Fire, are planning, preparing, and making strategic investments that will protect our region.

Cal Fire recently took delivery of a new firefighting helicopter that can carry more water for longer periods of time. CalFire is also continuing to staff up at the Ukiah-based Air Attack Base.

Sourcing additional funding to protect our region

The City sought and procured funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to mitigate the fire threat along the western hills. As part of this work, the City has moved electrical lines underground and taken other steps to “harden the hills.” Learn more about the West Hills Fire Prevention efforts. In addition, we are ensuring that public spaces are not overgrown. To do this, we are utilizing a recently acquired remote controlled mower and monitoring growth along train tracks and at the airport.

Here are steps you can take

Preventing wildfires requires a holistic approach. It is critical that our community members and local businesses practice preparedness and overall fire safety. Take these steps to prepare and protect your property.

Practice preparedness:

• Create an action plan for the event of a fire.
• Ensure that smoke alarms are installed throughout your property and are all working.
• Ensure that your home or business has at least one functioning fire extinguisher.
• Understand threat throughout the year. Learn more about seasonal fire safety tips.
  
  

Create a defensible space:

• Remove as much “fire fuel” from the area surrounding your house. This includes creating space between shrubs, trimming low-hanging tree branches, and removing all vegetation from the immediate area around structures.
  
  

Practice fire safety:

In the event of a fire, execute your evacuation plan and immediately contact appropriate authorities.

At special times of the year, such as the Fourth of July and Christmas, special consideration must be given to your surroundings so that you have an enjoyable and safe experience. Here are some things for you to think about as you prepare for these special occasions.

Begin Daylight Savings Time

This is an easy way of remembering to change the batteries in your smoke detector. Batteries should be changed twice a year to assure that your smoke detector will be ready to work if you have a fire. You should check your smoke detector monthly, even if it has new batteries.

Summer Season

Summers in Mendocino County are generally quite hot and dry. Because of the terrain and vegetation, the fire services of the County declare that there will be no general outside burning from approximately June through September. The City of Ukiah has an ordinance regarding burning within the city limits, which prohibits outdoor burning year-around. Excepted are recreational fires in family dwellings, and strictly-controlled burning operations for hazard reduction in urban-wildland interface areas.

Fourth-of-July

The Fourth-of-July is always a time for festivity, and the Ukiah Fire Department encourages everyone to enjoy this special time and attend locally-sponsored fireworks events. There is a general restriction on the possession or use of any type of fireworks throughout Mendocino County. Fireworks are prohibited! Legal action can be taken for anyone selling, possessing or using fireworks anywhere in the County.

End Daylight Savings Time

This is the second reminder of the year to change your smoke detector batteries. With the holidays coming, it’s easy to forget. And the holidays can be one of the most critical times of the year for fire in the home. Batteries are cheap–human lives are not!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving indicates that Christmas is just around the corner, and it is shortly after this holiday that many people will purchase their Christmas tree. Please plan ahead by reading the information below on preparations and activities surrounding this time of the year.

Christmas

Christmas trees, lights, decorations–this is truly a festive and special time of the year. But it is also a time when we introduce an increased fire hazard into our homes, and a time which can be extremely sad should a fire occur. Most businesses are required to have Christmas trees and decorations which are flame-resistant treated, or of living or artificial materials. The same reasoning for these requirements should be considered in homes. Cut trees can dry out quite rapidly in the heat and low humidity of homes in winter. Christmas trees, while they may appear to be green, can be become very dry and easily ignited. These trees can literally become huge balls of fire, being completely consumed in a matter of seconds. This rapid fire can spread throughout an area with such speed that occupants do not have an opportunity to react and escape. A few simple considerations are offered: place only the freshest and most recently cut tree; cut 1-inch off the bottom of the tree before placing; be sure the tree base is well into the water supply; water the tree every day (a large tree can drink up to one gallon of water per day); limit the use of lights on trees, and never use candles on trees; check your tree for dryness–if the needles are falling off, its too dry and should be replaced. When Christmas is over, it’s time for your tree to go. And never burn wrappings in your fireplace–they can be placed with paper recyclables.

Winter Season

Winters in Ukiah can get quite cold. When this happens, people tend to automatically turn up the thermostat, or put more wood on the fire. Some consideration should be given to the effect of this increased heating on the structure of your building. Heating appliances which operate for extended periods of time can in fact build up high temperatures, but this also stresses the equipment, and heats up combustibles in immediate proximity to the appliance. It is not uncommon for the Fire Department to have an increase in fires occurring in walls and attics during these periods due to the structural components being heated to points that these fires occur. For those buildings with fire sprinkler systems, assurance should be made that the exterior portions of these systems are properly insulated or provided with antifreeze materials, or that interior portions are insulated or heated to prevent breakage of the system due to freeze conditions.

The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority is an All Risk combination fire department. This means that we have paid career Firefighters as well as volunteer Firefighters. Our current volunteer roster contains approximately 20 members. Once accepted into the Volunteer Program all necessary safety equipment and basic training is provided to each volunteer candidate. Volunteer Firefighters are required to attend weekly training and are eligible to augment daily staffing levels as well as receive additional training. The probationary period lasts 12 months. Volunteers receive a “stipend” semiannually based upon their attendance at training and their response to emergency incidents.

Our volunteers are a capable, highly trained group that functions at the same level as the career staff, working seamlessly alongside them. Volunteers are just as important of a resource as the career personnel and are treated the same when it comes to training, education, and emergency response.

Volunteer personnel are trained in Emergency Medical Services, fire suppression, technical rescue, Hazardous Materials, the Incident Command System, Wildland firefighting, and the operation of fire engines and aerial apparatus.

The benefit of having a highly-trained and knowledgeable volunteer force is not limited to the handling of emergency incidents, but also creates a source of individuals who can compete for and obtain permanent full-time career positions with the Department.

Certifications

Volunteer personnel receive many of the same certifications as the paid staff. Some volunteers are certified as Hazardous Materials Specialists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Swift-Water Rescue Technicians, and Driver/Operators.

Fire Prevention and Public Education

The volunteers of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority participate in many functions outside of emergency response. They staff the first aid booth and provide medical standby at the two Fairs held at the Ukiah Fairgrounds annually. They participate and coordinate the annual Fire Expo held each year during Fire Prevention week in October. Volunteers also participate in the annual public education fire safety programs at the schools within the Ukiah Valley.

How to Become a Volunteer

Individuals wishing to volunteer with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority may obtain an application at 1500 South State Street, Ukiah. Those wishing further information may contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Battalion Chief, Justin Buckingham at 707-462-7921 or jbuckingham@cityofukiah.com

Volunteer Firefighter Policy; Job Application; and Requirements below:

• Policy 3010 Volunteer Firefighter Program
• Volunteer Firefighter Application
• Volunteer Firefighter Job Description and Requirements
•  

To participate in the Volunteer Program, an individual must complete an application, oral interview, written exam, a background check, a physical examination, and are encouraged to attend the Mendocino County Fire Chief’s Academy.

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In March of 1875, several members of Ukiah began talks of organizing a fire company. As reported in a local paper at the time, “Ukiah had been favored in her exemption of fire but they knew some day they would be caught napping”. They had water but no apparatus through which to apply it. A move was started to organize a Hook and Ladder Company.

On July 17, 1875, the Public School House, known as the Institute Building, caught fire. Although there were plenty of willing hands to assist with the fire, unfortunately at that time there were no ladders or water readily available to extinguish the blaze. The doors, windows and furniture were saved by removal.

Following the burning of the Public School House, concern of more fires grew amongst the community. On August 7, 1875 a committee of local people were appointed to solicit subscriptions toward the purchase of a Babcock Extinguisher and a Hook and Ladder Truck.

In 1876, Eagle Fire Company was born and in March of 1877 the department was officially organized with C.W. Tyndall as the foreman (the first official fire chief). Eagle Fire Company began with a hook and ladder truck, four Babcock extinguishers, and a house and lot. The newly formed company was responsible for the entire Valley. These first pieces of equipment are currently on display at the Civic Center.

Eagle Fire Company was renamed Ukiah Fire Department (UFD) in the early 1900’s. Then in 1947, the governing body known as Ukiah Valley Fire District (UVFD) was formed. UFD provided fire protection for the entire valley until the District separated from UFD on July 1, 1989. UFD was then responsible for anything inside the city limits, while the district covered the surrounding valley.

In August 1991, UFD began an ambulance service that staffed EMT II’s, providing the community with advanced life support (ALS) services. On July 1, 1995, Skip Williams was the first paramedic. Although the ambulance service was shut down on April 1, 2013, to date, the engines continue to provide ALS services with firefighter/paramedics.

In March 2012, UFD and UVFD reunited and on July 1, 2017, together they became known as Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA). The original UFD station on Seminary, with the merger, now consists of equipment and acts as a training ground for firefighters and volunteers alike. Currently, there are two staffed stations, one covering the north (Lovers Lane) and one to the south (Laws Avenue). UVFA provides ALS services and fire protection to the entire Valley. 

The UVFA has an annual operating budget of approximately $4.8 million and is staffed by 19 full-time safety employees (Fire Chief, 3 Division Chiefs, 6 Captains, 6 Engineers and 3 Firefighters), one full-time administrative-clerical employee and up to 25 dedicated volunteer firefighters that augment the career personnel including a Volunteer Division Chief. UVFA maintains four fire stations (two staffed with career personnel) with the daily staffing consisting of a minimum of two/two person ALS crews cross staffing Type I (Structural) and Type II/III (Wildland Interface) Engines and an on-call Duty Officer. Each of the two staffed stations are assigned a utility vehicle and each of the four Chief Officers are assigned a staff/command vehicle. Reserve and Volunteer assigned apparatus includes a Type I Ladder Truck (Quint), Type I (Structural) Engine, Type V (Wildland) Engine, Type I Water Tender, Breathing Air Support Unit, Breathing Air and Light Trailer, USAR Trailer and Rescue Boat. UVFA is the host agency for the Redwood Empire Hazardous Incident Team (REHIT) Hazmat Unit and the Mendocino County Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Safety Trailer.