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Santa Cruz Fire Department

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Call 911 for Emergencies

Reporting a FIRE HAZARD(not an actual fire) - Email Fire Prevention with your fire hazard concern(examples are tall DRY weeds, dead trees, missing smoke detectors, etc). Please include specific details and address of fire hazard, photos are helpful. PLEASE NOTE: If you see smoke, or any possible active fire, DO NOT report it via email. Always call 911 to report ANY emergency.

Requesting an Incident Report - Please complete incident request form completely and follow instructions. Email Fire Administration if you have any questions.
Request for Public Information - All requests are done via email. Please email Fire Administration with your request.

City of Santa Cruz Wildfire Resiliency Plan

Recognizing that time is of the essence, the COSC initiated the development and implementation of the Wildfire Resiliency Plan (WRP) – a strategic, department-led planning document intended to guide and support the implementation of prioritized vegetation management and wildfire risk reduction strategies on COSC lands.

Ready Set Go

Emergency ~ "Ready, Set, Go"

Ready, Set, Go in Spanish

» Are you prepared?

» Prepare your Family

» Household Safety Plan

» Evacuation Plan Checklist

» Basic Emergency Supply Kit

» Know at Least Two Escape Routes

Reducing Wildfire Risks

California Fire Safe Council Defensible Space Brochure

14028772026_6dbbee74a0_b

Reduce your Wildfire Risk and become a Firewise Community

The Firewise USA Website of the NFPA provides Wildfire Risk Reduction Steps to make your home safer during a wildfire.

How To Prepare Your Home For Wildfires

Home Hardening

California Fire Safe Council Home Hardening Brochure

Adoption of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code Standards

CHANGES in the Residential Sprinkler Ordinance

NEW Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas - WUI

Is your property within the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area?

Click on the map below to find out

LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

Rob Oatey, Fire Chief

Santa Cruz Fire Administration
230 Walnut Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-420-5280
Admin email

Admin Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8-12 & 1-4
Fridays - Closed

News

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STATS 2024

State Mandated Life Safety Inspections

	Facilities Count	Completed Inspections
Schools/ Preschools	34	10
Multi-Family Residential	465	361
Hotels/Motels/ Inns	49	29
Institutional/ Residential Care	36	4
Other(non State Mandated)	NA	151
Total	NA	555

Call Volume

Structure Fires	31
Outside Fires	183
Warming Fires	68
Other Fires	23
Fire Investigation	27
EMS Calls	5565
Other Calls	3636
Total Call Volume	9438

OTHER 2024 STATS

STATS 2023

State Mandated Life Safety Inspections

	Facilities Count	Completed Inspections
Schools/ Preschools	34	27
Multi-Family Residential	465	352
Hotels/Motels/ Inns	49	49
Institutional/ Residential Care	36	5
Other(non State Mandated)	NA	55
Total	NA	489

Call Volume

Structure Fires	77
Outside Fires	104
Warming Fires	100
Other Fires	29
Fire Investigation	29
EMS Calls	5552
Other Calls	4022
Total Call Volume	9784

OTHER 2023 STATS

STATS 2022

State Mandated Life Safety Inspections

	Facilities Count	Completed Inspections
Schools/ Preschools	34	20
Multi-Family Residential	343	131
Hotels/Motels/ Inns	48	43
Institutional/ Residential Care	36	7
Other(non state mandated)	NA	50
Total	NA	335

Call Volume

Structure Fires	107
Outside Fires	144
Warming Fires	50
Other Fires	65
Fire Investigations	49
EMS Calls	5165
Other Calls	3266
Total Call Volume	9611

Click image to include your phone or email for Santa Cruz County Alerts System, provided by The County of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Where can I dispose of my fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste drop-off sites:

City of Santa Cruz Hazardous Waste
605 Dimeo Lane
Open Saturdays only from 7:30 - 3:30

Buena Vista Landfill
1231 Buena Vista Drive
Watsonville
Call for hours of operation 831-454-2606

Ben Lomond Transfer Station
9835 Newell Creek Road
Ben Lomond
Call for hours of operation 831-454-2606
Are sky lanterns allowed within Santa Cruz County?
The use of Sky Lanterns is prohibited by several laws and codes including the Health and Safety Code, T-19 Public Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, and the International Fire Code.

Santa Cruz Municipal Code 19.05.140 SECTION 308.1.6.3 IS ADDED – SKY LANTERNS.
Section 308.1.6.3 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows: 308.1.6.3 – Sky lanterns. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern.
Can you barbecue on the beach?
- Gas grills are allowed on City beaches - BUT if the lifeguards or rangers deems the grill to be unsafe or too large; the BBQ will need to be removed.
- Charcoal barbecues will no longer be allowed on our City beaches. This is in large part due to safety and environmental concerns related to people burying coals in the sand after a barbecue on the beach.
Are fires allowed on the beach?
Fires are not allowed on any City Beaches, which include Cowells Beach, Main Beach & beaches along Westcliff Drive. Fires are allowed in fire rings only at the following state beaches.

State Beaches

New Brighton   464-6330

Twin Lakes   427-4868

Seabright   427-4868
Can we have a warming fire in our backyard?
The City of Santa Cruz does allow warming fires in backyards, as long as these guidelines are followed. If the Fire Department deems it unsafe, they will ask you to extinguish it. If you have a complaint about smoke from a neighbors warming fire, you will need to contact Monterey Bay Air Resources District to file the complaint.

Fires are not allowed on City Beaches.
How do I file a fire safety complaint?
Email our Fire Admin Office at dl_fire@santacruzca.gov to file a fire safety complaint. Please include photos if possible.
What is the process for fire plan review?
Submit a minimum of two sets of plans to the Admin office located at 230 Walnut Ave. We do not require an application. Our plan review turn- around is up to 12 working days. Visit our Permits and Inspections Page or call 831-420-5280 if you have any further questions.
Do you inspect child safety seat installations?
The Santa Cruz Fire Department, no longer inspects child safety seats. Please see our Car Seat Safety Page for other organizations that inspect child safety seats.
Do you service fire extinguishers?
We do not service fire extinguishers. Please find a professional fire extinguisher service company in the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguisher.”
Do you offer station tours?
We offer station tours to school groups (age 5+) on Wednesday mornings, by appointment only. Tours are usually at Station 1, located at 711 Center Street. Tour needs to be requested the month prior to allow for planning on our training calendar. We ask that you give us a few options to give you a better chance of getting a tour.
How do I report a leaking hydrant?
Call the Santa Cruz Water Department at 831-420-5200
How do I order a Knox Box?
Visit https://www.knoxbox.com to purchase a knox box. Choose your item and the search Santa Cruz. Make sure to choose Santa Cruz Fire Dept at 230 Walnut Ave. If you choose another department, our key will not work. Any questions call our Fire Admin office at 831-420-5280
Can I bring fireworks to Santa Cruz Fire Dept for disposal?
No! We do not accept fireworks for disposal. Please contact the CAL FIRE office located in Felton, CA at (831) 335-5355 to learn about your options for appropriately disposing of fireworks.
How do I request an incident report or make a request for public information?
Requesting an Incident Report - Please complete incident request completely and follow instructions.

Fires under investigation by SCFD & SCPD require a subpoena to obtain a copy.

Emergency medical reports or patient care reports can only be requested by the patient (requires ID), patient’s representative (requires patients ID and letter from patient authorizing release), patient’s attorney (requires a HIPPA compliant release authorization signed by patient) or a subpoena.

Allow 1-2 weeks for reports to be processed. Most reports can be emailed free of charge. There will be a nominal fee for hard copies. There is a $15 fee to process subpoenaed records.

Request for Public Information - Email dl_fire@cityofsantacruz.com with your request.
What are addressing requirements?
Single family residences - All numbers shall be a minimum 4 inch size in a contrasting color that are clearly visible from the street.

Multi family residences and commercial properties - All numbers shall be a minimum 6 inch size in a contrasting color that are clearly visible from the street and separate unit identifications.

Address numbers are assigned by the City Planning Department, not the Fire Department.
What is the Fire Protection Class for the City of Santa Cruz
The Fire Protection Class or the ISO(Insurance Services Office) rating for the City of Santa Cruz is ISO Fire Score 2
Will fire sprinklers be required for my remodel or addition?
Group R-3 dwellings:
- When additions increase the total existing square footage by more than 50%.
- Where alterations and/or repairs result in the removal, alteration, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the external walls of a building.
- Where alterations result in the removal, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the existing internal structural and/or non-structural framework.
- This work done independently or in combination within a five year period, the entire building shall be made to conform to the current provisions of this chapter.
- All ADUs constructed on lots with an existing sprinklered primary residence
- ADU’s attached to main residence and is 50% or greater of the existing sq-ft. of the primary residence

City of Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz Fire Department

Reducing Wildfire Risks

California Fire Safe Council Defensible Space Brochure

Reduce your Wildfire Risk and become a Firewise Community

Home Hardening

California Fire Safe Council Home Hardening Brochure

Adoption of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code Standards

Is your property within the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area?

LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

Where can I dispose of my fire extinguisher?

Are sky lanterns allowed within Santa Cruz County?

Can you barbecue on the beach?

Are fires allowed on the beach?

Can we have a warming fire in our backyard?

How do I file a fire safety complaint?

What is the process for fire plan review?

Do you inspect child safety seat installations?

Do you service fire extinguishers?

Do you offer station tours?

How do I report a leaking hydrant?

How do I order a Knox Box?

Can I bring fireworks to Santa Cruz Fire Dept for disposal?

How do I request an incident report or make a request for public information?

What are addressing requirements?

What is the Fire Protection Class for the City of Santa Cruz

Will fire sprinklers be required for my remodel or addition?