SIERRA COUNTY — Sierra County Fire Protection District (SCFPD), serving eastern Sierra County with twenty dedicated volunteers out of three fire stations located in Sierraville, Sattley, and Calpine, has been actively engaged in a range of fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) activities this summer and fall, highlighting its commitment to community safety. SCFPD has responded to over 50 calls this year, with almost 30 occurring since July, including seven vehicle accidents, ten fires, and 17 medical calls (several of which required helicopter transport), with an average response time of 4 minutes to a station and 12 minutes to the scene.

Our hard-working members participated in the initial attack on the Gold Complex Fire near Whitehawk, the Palen Fire in Antelope Valley, and the Bear Fire by Sierra Brooks, providing water tenders, fire engines, and overhead staffing. They also responded to the Merrill Fire near Stampede and a recent wildland fire in Calpine (which was ignited by a car that had gone off the road), working alongside cooperating agencies, including the US Forest Service (USFS), Loyalton Fire Department, Graeagle Fire Protection District, and Beckwourth Peaks Fire Protection District. SCFPD Chief Mick Connolly provided leadership and was part of the overhead at multi-agency commands during many of these significant incidents.

Since the Dixie Fire in 2021, Sierra County Local Fire Agencies have been participating in the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Prepositioning Program for fire personnel and equipment in high-risk areas. Each year, SCFPD, Loyalton Fire Department, Downieville Fire, Pliocene Ridge Fire Protection District, and multiple Plumas County local fire agencies participate in OES prepositioning. In 2024, SCFPD members staffed over 170 man-days across eleven preposition periods with the highest fire risk. This proactive approach enhances our community’s safety and strengthens our mutual aid agreements and capabilities with neighboring fire districts, allowing us to enhance our resources and staffing during emergencies.

We are grateful for our strong partnership with the USFS Tahoe National Forest. Their support and our joint training efforts result in more effective responses during emergencies. The expertise and leadership of their crews significantly improve our outcomes on the ground. They also respond with us on medical calls and vehicle accidents when they’re able, and each year, we host an open house together at the Calpine Fire Station during the Calpine Marketplace to inform residents about fire safety and preparedness.

Being part of SCFPD means a commitment to excellence. As an all-hazards fire district, we respond to structure fires, wildland fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, and anything else you might call 911 for. Many of our members are nationally certified EMTs and EMRs, and this summer alone, our team members completed HAZ-MAT certifications, participated in active shooter drills, and engaged in rope rescue and vehicle fire suppression training - in addition to our year-round weekly training, all while maintaining our stations and equipment for operational readiness and monitoring weather conditions to stay prepared.

If you have been wondering how you can join our dedicated team, visit the SCFPD website at sierracountyfireprotectiondistrict1.org. There, you can fill out an application and schedule a visit during our weekly Thursday night trainings to see if being a Sierra County firefighter and/or EMS provider is right for you.

We remain dedicated to safeguarding the community and enhancing its emergency response capabilities. We thank all residents for their support and cooperation and encourage everyone to learn about and participate in the Sierra County Fire Safe Council by visiting firesafesierracounty.org.

Stay safe, Sierra County!