The Valley Center Fire Protection District contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) for its services. These services include response to fire, emergency medical and hazardous materials incidents. Currently, the District employs (12) full time firefighters with a breakdown in rank as follows:

1 Fire Chief
2 Captains
4 Engineers and,
5 Firefighter II's

The District also employs a number of part-time Reserve firefighters. The number frequently varies, but usually averages around thirty.

VCFPD staff works out of two primary fire stations: Station 72 (District Headquarters) is located at 28234 Lilac Road, near Valley Center Road. Station 73 is located at 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, just off Valley Center Road near the San Diego County Sheriff's Valley Center Substation.

Station 1, which is located at 14946 Vesper Road, is operated by the CDF but also serves the District on a part-time contractual basis.

Incident response from each station is generally handled by a minimum of four (4) fire personnel, including some combination of the staffing mentioned above, all of whom are emergency medical technicians.

Unlike many fire districts, which are often only able to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) services, the VCFPD provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) services by a minimum of two Paramedics who can administer certain medications and carry more advanced monitors and treatment equipment, all of which greatly enhance the opportunity for survival in a medical emergency. ALS and ambulance services are provided under a contract with by Mercy Medical Transportation Services.

An ambulance is assigned to Station 73 at all times. Air medical transport, though not specifically contracted, is often available from a number of providers that may or may not include the Mercy Medical Transportation organization.

Under an existing state and local Mutual Aid System, VCFPD personnel are available to respond to emergencies outside our District boundaries. Conversely, when the need arises, outside agencies are also available to respond within our District to ensure the best possible response time and services to the public.

Animal Evacuation

In rural areas of the county, including the Valley Center Fire Protection District, the special needs of pets and other large animals are of significant concern during fires and other emergencies.

Remember that most shelters do not accept animals of any kind, and large animals pose unique challenges related to safety and relocation. You may want to consider these special needs in your emergency plans.

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