HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5h. Fire Department's 2025 Annual Report Item 5h
Department: Fire
Cost Center: 8501
For Agenda of: 6/2/2026
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Randy Harris, Interim Fire Chief
Prepared By: Nicole Vert, Business Analyst
SUBJECT: FIRE DEPARTMENT’S 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council receive and file the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department’s 2025
Annual Report
POLICY CONTEXT
The Fire Department’s 2025 Annual Report (Attachment A) provides an overview of the
past operational year. The report highlights both department activity and statistics that the
department utilizes to analyze performance and workload.
DISCUSSION
The 2025 Fire Department Annual Report provides an overview of the past operational
year. This report covers key areas integral to the Fire Department’s operations and future
planning. These areas include prevention, community engagement, emergency
response, training, apparatus, emergency management and mobile crisis unit. The report
highlights key accomplishments.
Fire Prevention
In 2025, the San Luis Obispo Fire Department (SLOFD) spent 428 hours reviewing plans
submitted for development within the City to verify compliance with all applicable fire
prevention and mitigation regulations. They performed 1,800 Fire and Life Safety
inspections, which inspections involve nearly every type of occupancy in the City, from
apartment complexes to large warehouses, to bars and restaurants. The Department also
serves as a “Participating Agency” in the County’s Certified Unified Program Agency
(CUPA). This participation meant an additional 325 inspections performed on businesses
in the City and brought in $214,000 in revenue from permits issued from the program.
Community Engagement
SLOFD actively engages in community education on the hazards and risks within the city.
Outreach efforts are designed to provide the community with practical, actionable
information that may apply before, during and after an emergency occurs. Preparedness
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Item 5h
education and information was a core focus for the Department in 2025. The Department
held 23 wildfire preparedness forums and presentations and conducted four evacuation
preparedness trainings and observations. Staff held 89 public education events that
included ride-alongs, station tours and school visits. SLOFD hosted thirteen events that
included a flu vaccine clinic, Bike Breakfast and 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.
Emergency Response
In 2025, SLOFD responded to 7,344 incidents, with over 9,400 total unit responses to
various types of emergencies from four stations. Those incidents are broken down by:
150 Fire responses- including structure, vehicle and wildland
4,831 Emergency Medical Service calls
169 Hazardous conditions
746 Service Calls- these are people in distress, smoke or odor and animal calls
927 Good Intent calls- these are calls that appear to be an emergency but are
actually a controlled situation, for example a call for smoke seen is a BBQ pit in a
backyard watched by the resident
515 False Alarms- including system malfunctions and false calls
The Department has daily minimum staffing of 14 firefighters across four stations, with at
least one paramedic staffed at each station. Those 14 include one battalion chief, four
captains, five engineers and four firefighters.
The value of property lost to fire in the City in 2025 was $732,720. However, the value of
property saved was $26,247,227 from 34 incidents, including vehicles. This amount is
derived by subtracting the estimated dollar loss from the total pre -incident market value
of the property. It represents the value of the structure and contents protected by the
Department’s actions.
Training
The training Captain oversees the planning and training of classes, drills and certifications
that ensure operational readiness and continuous professional growth. The Department
implemented the Injury Prevention Program in 2019, and the result has been a 70%
reduction from 2019 to 2025 in hours lost to work -related injuries, from 11,550 hours in
2019 down to 3,487 in 2025.
Apparatus
The Fire Fleet Division oversees management, maintenance, compliance, parts inventory
and lifecycle planning to ensure the Fire fleet operates at peak performance while
controlling costs and reducing down time. Some highlights of the year include Truck 1’s
refurbishment. This included a new engine, new radiator and new transmission. Doing
this work in-house saved $450,000. Staff completed 197 work orders, and 48% were
finished within 48 hours.
Emergency Management
The Emergency Manager joined the department in late February 2025 filling a year long
vacancy. In 2025, the Emergency Manager completed a multi-jurisdictional hazard
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Item 5h
mitigation plan and coordinated the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating
evaluation, which is a determination of the City’s fire protection services used by insurers
to help calculate property insurance premiums. The City’s score is two, indicating
“excellent” level of fire protection and in the top 5% of all departments nationwide.
Mobile Crisis Unit
The Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) continues its services for those in need while reducing
reliance on Fire and Police resources. The MCU is staffed with a Community Resources
Services Specialist staffed by the City and utilizing funds from national opioid lawsuit
settlements, a Licensed Psychiatric Technician contracted through County Behavioral
Health. The MCU made over 2,000 contacts, responded to 143 calls, made 69 transports
and coordinated 25 reunifications with family members and unhoused individuals. This
included connecting an unhoused couple with veteran services for housing opportunities.
Summary
The 2025 Fire Department Annual Report highlights the exemplary level of service
provide by the department while outlining the various aspects, divisions, and i ndividuals
that contribute to its success.
Continued outreach and education have helped reduce risk in the community and ensure
trust with the Department.
The Department continues its vision to be a progressive organization that leads the
community in public safety and preparedness demonstrated through an unwavering
commitment to the protection of lives, property and the environment, and providing
service of the highest quality recognized against local, state, and federal standards.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On May 21, 2024, the City Council received and filed the Fire Department’s 2023 Annual
Report
While there was a 2024 report, it did not go to Council.
Public Engagement
This item is a consent item for the June 2, 2026, City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended
action in this report, because the action does not constitute a " Project" under CEQA
Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2024-25 and 2025-26
Funding Identified: Yes
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Item 5h
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A $0 $0 $0
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total N/A $0 $0 $0
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommendation to receive and file the
report.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose to not receive and file the annual report. The report
provides a record of essential statistics, trends, and strategic initiatives that are important
for policy makers and public awareness in the community that would not be otherwise
available.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Fire Department 2025 Annual Report
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2 0 2 5
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
S A N L U I S O B I S P O F I R E D E P A R T M E N T
w w w .s l o c i t y .o r g /f i r e
Page 63 of 454
The men and women of the San Luis Obispo Fire Department (SLOFD) continue to demonstrate
professionalism, dedication, and adaptability in everything they do. Operating from four strategically located fire
stations, our teams provide Advanced Life Support emergency medical care, fire suppression, hazardous
materials response, and Urban Search and Rescue services in alignment with nationally recognized and City
adopted response standards. Their commitment ensures that when residents need help, we are ready to
respond.
SLOFD’s work extends well beyond emergency response. Our department plays an essential role in prevention,
preparedness, and community wellbeing. In 2025, these efforts included emergency management coordination,
fire prevention and risk reduction services, fleet maintenance to keep our apparatus response ready, behavioral
health outreach through our Mobile Crisis Unit, and the administrative support that allows our operations to
function effectively. Together, these services strengthen community resilience and help protect lives and
property across San Luis Obispo.
This past year also brought new challenges. The implementation of updated statewide fire hazard severity maps
resulted in increased fire hazard ratings for more than 3,500 properties in our city. These changes introduced
new building and landscaping standards designed to reduce wildfire risk. Our Fire Prevention staff worked
closely with the Community Development Department to guide residents, builders, and property owners through
these requirements. I am especially grateful for the support of City Council and City leadership, whose
commitment to filling key vacancies allowed our Fire Prevention Division to meet the increased workload and
continue serving the community effectively.
Looking ahead, addressing operational staffing challenges will be a primary focus in 2026 as service demands
continue to grow. With the continued support of the San Luis Obispo community and City Council, we remain
committed to delivering high quality, dependable fire and emergency services while remaining mindful of City
goals and fiscal responsibility.
On behalf of the entire San Luis Obispo Fire Department, thank you for your trust and support. It is an honor to
serve this community, and we remain dedicated to protecting the safety, resilience, and quality of life that make
San Luis Obispo such a special place.
01
As Interim Fire Chief, I am proud to share this annual
report and reflect on the San Luis Obispo Fire
Department’s service to our community throughout 2025.
San Luis Obispo remains a vibrant and growing city, and
with that growth comes both opportunity and
responsibility. New development, increased population,
and continued expansion at Cal Poly University have
placed greater demands on public safety services, and
our department has risen to meet those needs.
Interim Fire Chief
Randy Harris
CHIEF’S MESSAGE
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r tPage 64 of 454
02
MISSION, VALUES, VISION
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
VALUES
To enhance and protect the lives, environment, and property of
our community and its visitors
To be a progressive organization that leads the
community in public safety and preparedness
demonstrated through an unwavering
commitment to the protection of lives, property
and our environment. The service we provide
will be the highest quality recognized against
local, state, and federal standards.
- Service
- Loyalty
- Ownership
- Family
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
SS
LL
OO
FF
II
RR
EE
MISSION
VISIONVISION
Page 65 of 454
93%
7%
100%
The San Luis Obispo City Fire
Department is comprised of nine
budgeted programs, of these, 7 are
staffed. In Fiscal Year 2024-25 the
department received a total budget of
$18,938,698 with 93% dedicated to
staffing for the 61 full time members
of the department, leaving 7%, or
$1,300,094 for non-staffing
operational costs.
BUDGET
032025 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
STAFFING
$17,638,604
OPERATIONAL
$1,300,094
TOTAL BUDGET
$18,938,698
3,487
Work Comp Hours
Administration
6,323
Mutual Aid Employee Hours
$708,377
Mutual Aid Reimbursement
4
Mutual Aid Responses
9 budgeted programs
61 full-time staff
Medic Rescue 1 at Gifford Fire
Page 66 of 454
Grant Funding
BUDGET
Paramedic and SCBA Equipment
Trained three firefighters as paramedics
Purchased four self-contained breathing
apparatus to be placed on the new fire engine
Purchase new all electric extrication equipment.
These tools are smaller and quicker to use for
speedier extrications
Office of Traffic Safety
042025 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Community education project for residents
to prepare their homes and property
against wildfire
Administration
Purchased two woodchippers to clear brush
and remove fuels for fires reducing wildfire risk
in the City
CalFire
FEMA: FP&S
350K
57K
159K
99K
136K
Inspector Petersen Doing Community Education
Engineers Williams and Sabatino
Paramedic School Graduation
Inspector Thomas and Hutchinson
Fire Captain Witt and Engineer Hicks with the
New Electric Extrication Equipment
Page 67 of 454
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
052025 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
The Emergency Manager position
was filled in February 2025 after
being vacant for approximately one
year. During the vacancy, many
emergency management
responsibilities were distributed
across several departments. In 2025,
these duties were formally returned
to the Emergency Manager, restoring
centralized coordination of
preparedness, response, mitigation,
and public information functions.
Administration
Completed Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Infrastructure site inspections in support of
the Cal Fire Proposition 4 grant application
SITE INSPECTIONS
Coordinated City ISO (2) rating with Utilities
ISO RATING
Public Information Officer, Supporting
Incident Communications and Public
Information Dissemination
PUBLIC EDUCATION
3 EOC activations: St. Fratty’s Day, No
Kings Protest, Storm
EOC
11/06/2025 - Flu Vaccine Point of Distribution
Emergency Manager Little
11/20/2025 - Flood Night
Page 68 of 454
2022 2023 2024 2025
Instagram Facebook Twitter0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
2200
5534
6861
8747
1277
1991 1634
2950
6464
7223 7158 7233
Social Media Posts
Radio Interviews
Wildfire Prepardness, ALERTSLO,
Evacuation Planing, Flood
Preparation, Holiday Safety
Fire Prepardenss,
Evacuation Planning,
Season of Hope
KSBY Interviews
418
39
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
@slocityfire
06
PUBLIC INFORMATION
Administration
Public Information plays a critical role in educating the
public to reduce the severity of emergencies and allows
the public to make the right decisions during an
emergency. The Department’s Administrative Specialist
was responsible for social media content creation and
external written communications, while the Emergency
Manager conducted in-person television and radio
interviews and served as the primary public-facing
spokesperson.
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
@slocityfd
Page 69 of 454
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
07
PREPAREDNESS EDUCATION
Administration
Preparedness education and information was a
core focus for the Department in 2025, with an
emphasis on increasing community awareness,
personal responsibility, and readiness for wildfire,
flooding, and evacuation related incidents.
Outreach efforts are designed to provide
residents, businesses, schools and community
organizations with practical, actionable information
they could apply before, during, and after an
emergency occurs.
Community
forums,
Firewise
presentations
Trainings and
Observations
Safety
Training, Flu
Vaccine, Bike
Breakfast, 9/11
Wildfire
Prepardness
Evacuation
Prepardness
Ride-Alongs,
Station
Tours,
School Visits
Hosted
Events
23 89 1304
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Public
Education
10/11/25 - Station #1 Open House
10/09/25 - Teach Elementary
Burn Relay Stop
Page 70 of 454
08
FIRE PREVENTION
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
The Fire Prevention Bureau is a dedicated team committed to
safeguarding our community through proactive fire and life
safety efforts. Comprised of five inspectors, one administrative
assistant, one Fire Marshal, and one intern, the Bureau works
collaboratively to reduce risk and ensure compliance with fire
codes and regulations. Through comprehensive inspections
and thorough plan reviews, the team helps identify potential
hazards, supports safe building practices, and promotes fire
prevention standards that protect lives and property.
3 or More Units: Apartments,
Hotels, Fraternity/Sorority Houses
MULTI-DWELLING
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Annual Revenue350K
100% Compliance
New Construction, Existing
Businesses, Annual inspections,
Special Events, Operational Permits
Inspections1,800
PLAN REVIEW
Hours428
SLOFD serves as a
“Participating Agency” in the
County’s Certified Unified
Program Agency (CUPA).
Businesses that use or store
hazardous materials in an
appreciable quantity,
generate hazardous waste,
or operate underground or
aboveground petroleum
storage tanks are subject to
inspection.
HAZ-MAT
Inspections
325
214K
Revenue
Fire Marshal Daniel
Page 71 of 454
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
FUEL-REDUCTION EFFORTS
09
Irish Hills
Miossi Ranch
Reservoir Canyon
Grants through the Fire Safe
Council were secured to fund
hazardous tree removal
throughout the City and
grazing along San Luis Obispo
and Prefumo creeks.
Fire Prevention
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
SLOFD continued to support the Natural Resources and Parks and
Recreation Ranger Service in fuel-reduction projects within City-owned open
space and creek corridors.
Bob Jones Bike Trail
San Luis Obispo Creek: Between
Prado, LOVR, and San Luis Drive
Bowden Ranch Open Space
Cerro San Luis
SLOFD remains committed to
maintaining proactive vegetation
management efforts to reduce fire risk
and enhance community safety. Through
weed abatement, routine inspections,
and the removal of hazardous or
overgrown vegetation. These ongoing
efforts not only help protect homes and
infrastructure but also support
emergency access and overall
environmental health. By prioritizing
vegetation maintenance, the City
continues to strengthen its wildfire
preparedness and resilience.
GRANTS
Bishops Peak Fuel Reduction
Page 72 of 454
10
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Fire Prevention
In March 2025, the State of California
released updated Fire Hazard
Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps that
reflect the latest science on wildfire
behavior, climate conditions,
topography, and vegetation. These
updated maps identify areas of
elevated wildfire risk within the City of
San Luis Obispo and serve as the
regulatory basis for future wildfire-
related planning, development
standards, and community risk-
reduction efforts. The maps identified
more than 2,800 parcels within the
city limits that fall within the Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
More Information
www.slocity.org/wildfire
Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones
October 2025
June 2025
SLO City Adopted Maps
March 2025
State Fire Marshal Released
Updated Fire Hazard Maps
July 2025
State Fire Marshal Released CA
Wildand-Urban Interface Code
SLO City Adopted CA Wildand-
Urban Interface Code and Updated
CA Building and Fire Codes
JANUARY 1, 2026
CA Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
&
Updated CA Building and Fire Codes
Effective
Subscribe to our
"Community Safety"
email updates now!
(Fire and PD)
Page 73 of 454
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 20250
2000
4000
6000
8000
5520
6232
7162 7428 7079 7344
11
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
CANCELLED EN ROUTE, WRONG
LOCATION, NO EMERGENCY,
CONTROLLED BURNING
CANCELLED EN ROUTE, WRONG
LOCATION, NO EMERGENCY,
CONTROLLED BURNING
PEOPLE IN DISTRESS,
WATER PROBLEM,
SMOKE/ODOR, ANIMAL
PEOPLE IN DISTRESS,
WATER PROBLEM,
SMOKE/ODOR, ANIMAL
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICEEMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE
STRUCTURE, VEHICLE, WILDLANDSTRUCTURE, VEHICLE, WILDLAND
NO FIRENO FIRE
GOOD INTENT CALL
SERVICE CALL
EMS
FIRE
HAZARDOUS CONDITION
FALSE ALARM
FALSE CALL, SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION
FALSE CALL, SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION
150
4831
169
746
927
515Total Calls: 7,344
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t Page 74 of 454
STATISTICS
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Septem
ber
October
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
538
638
594 614
543 534
594 606
682 653 636
12
Emergency Response
1pmSaturday
INCIDENTS BY DAY AND HOUR
CALL VOLUME BY MONTH
BUSIEST DAY AND TIME
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t Page 75 of 454
136 N. Chorro
STATISTICS
Station 2
1395 Madonna Road
1801 INCIDENTS
1280 Laurel Lane
1701 INCIDENTS
2160 Santa Barbara Ave
1940 INCIDENTS
1892 INCIDENTS
13
Emergency Response
**Heatmap of less than 4 min travel time calls
Station 1
Station 4 Station 3
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
DAILY
MINIMUM
STAFFING - 14
Battalion Chief - 1
Captain - 4
Engineer - 5
Firefighter - 4
including 1 Paramedic Per Station
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STATISTICS
14
Emergency Response
MAJOR INCIDENTS BY DOLLAR LOSS
790 Foothill - 02/09/2025
870 Broad - 11/14/2025
883 Bougainvillea - 06/21/2025
TOTAL PROPERTY VALUE SAVED
$291,011
TOTAL PROPERTY VALUE LOST
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
$732,720
$26,247,227
$65,199
$62,198
11/5/25 - Industrial Way Fire
Page 77 of 454
STATISTICS
15
Emergency Response
FREQUENT INCIDENT ADDRESSES
40 Prado: 396 Incidents
3000 Augusta: 208 Incidents
1234 Laurel: 166 Incidents
73 Broad: 164 Incidents
Code 3 Calls
for Service
5473
49
Vegetation
Fires
Off Campus
CP Incidents
Transient
Incidents
941
215
Cardiac
Arrests
58
400
Lift Assists
161
Alcohol
Related
296
Cal Poly
Incidents
Due to hazardous nature of
Li-Ion fires, new decontamination
practices implemented to remove
all heavy metals
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
2 Lithium Ion Fires
08/28/25 - Exposition Drive Li-Ion Fire
40 Prado Incident
Page 78 of 454
STATISTICS
16
Emergency Response
Call processing time, turnout time, and travel time
Goal: 7 minutes or less to 90% of all light & siren calls
CALL PROCESSING TIMECALL PROCESSING TIME
Goal: 1 minute or less to 90% of all light & siren calls
TURNOUT TIMETURNOUT TIME
Goal: 2 minutes or less to 90% of all light & siren calls
Goal: 4 minutes or less to 90% of all light & siren calls
TRAVEL TIMETRAVEL TIME
TOTAL RESPONSE TIMETOTAL RESPONSE TIME
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
60%60%
70%70%
96.5%96.5%
77%77%
Page 79 of 454
STATISTICS
17
Emergency Response
1,974
UNIT HOUR UTILIZATION (UHU)
Incidents Time on Task (hrs)UHU
2,065
2,047
689
632
679
559
7.87%
7.22%
7.77%
5.59%
469 121 1.39%
*The Industry Standard is <10%
E4
E3
T2
T1
Unit
MR1
2,112
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
2728
1172
337
75
11
2 Calls in Progress
3 Calls in Progress
4 Calls in Progress
5 Calls in Progress
6 Calls in Progress
1535
Incidents where more than
1 unit was dispatched
9467Total Unit Responses
SIMULTANEOUS CALLS
Page 80 of 454
MEDIC RESCUE
2023 2024 20250
100
200
300
400
500
293
347
469
18
Emergency Response
90TH PERCENTILE
PERFORMANCE FOR MR1
TURNOUT - 02:08
TRAVEL - 07:39
TOTAL - 09:02
MEDIC RESCUE 1 CALL BY ZONE
ZONE 2
ZONE 4
ZONE 3
CALLS FOR SERVICE
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
FY 2024-2025, we implemented a pilot program
staffing regularly staffing Medic Rescue multiple days
a week to provide relief to Truck 1 by responding to
lower-acuity calls. Medic Rescue was staffed 91 days
within the city on anticipated natural disasters, special
events, and high-demand holidays to ensure adequate
coverage and system resilience. The unit was also
assigned to Mutual Aid responses for 50 days.
ZONE 1
251251
7272
5757
8585
Fire Engineer Polkow & FF McClanahan
Page 81 of 454
19
Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team
continued to play a vital role in protecting the
lives of both visitors and residents. Members of
the USAR Team receive specialized training in
complex and technical rescue operations and
participate in the San Luis Obispo County
Regional USAR Team. The department added
two new USAR members to the team due to a
retirement and promotion. The team is looking at
updating rope rescue equipment next budget
cycle in order to better respond to open space
rescue incidents. The majority of our USAR calls
in the city are on our open space trails and not in
the urban environment.
US&R / Open Space Rescue
Emergency Response
US&R
The Fire Department’s open space rescue programs
continue to evolve. Many of these rescues,
particularly around Bishop Peak, require the use of
a helicopter to locate, access, and transport victims.
The Fire Department works closely with, and trains
frequently alongside, the California Highway Patrol,
which operates the rescue helicopter in the county.
In addition to this collaboration with CHP for air
resources, two key contributors to the continued
success of the Fire Department’s open space
rescue program have been the E-Bike Program and
the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) program. Both
pieces of equipment have been invaluable in
locating, transporting, and caring for people in open
space in a timely manner.
OPEN SPACE
8
Open Space
Rescues
5
US&R
Rescues
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t Page 82 of 454
The Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) responds to
behavioral health incidents both proactively
and reactively. The MCU pairs a Community
Resources Services Specialist with a Fire
intern and a Licensed Psychiatric Technician
from County Behavioral Health. This model
enhances service for those in need while
reducing reliance on Fire and Police
resources.
The MCU is staffed during peak activity hours,
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
based on current SLOPD and SLOFD
response data.
SUCCESS STORIES
20
MOBILE CRISIS UNIT
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
Contacts Calls Reunifications
2234 69 25143
Transports Rehabs
2
Enrolled in no cost
rehab program in
Orange County
Helped get
assistance with
living conditions and
daily activities
Enrolled unhoused client
with dementia into 40
Prado, working with APS
to get into a nursing facility
Connected an unhoused
couple with veteran
services for housing
opportunities
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Community Resources Services Specialist Villa
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21
TRAINING
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
The Training Captain oversees the planning
and delivery of training classes, drills, and
certifications that ensure operational
readiness and continuous professional
growth. Through proactive leadership and a
strong emphasis on safety, education, and
performance excellence, the Training Division
strengthens both individual capability and the
overall effectiveness of SLOFD.
$47,000
JAC REIMBURSEMENT
$6,700
ISA REIMBURSEMENT
JAC Hours Regular Hours
0 5000 10000 15000 20000
Training Hours 9942 9179 19121
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS19,121
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
INTERAGENCY TRAINING
USAR H70 Helicopter
Training
Open Space Mapping
County Structure Burn
Cal Poly Response
CA Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Instructional Service Agreement
Truck 1 Training at Hotel SLO
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Injury Prevention Program
2019 2025
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
11550
3487
Recruit Academy 2025
22
The Training Captain oversees the
Injury Prevention Program, which has
continued to show success in reducing
hours lost to work-related injuries. Prior
to the start of the program in 2019, the
Fire Department recorded 11,550 hours
of work comp time lost. In 2025, comp
time hours lost decreased to 3,487
hours, a 70 percent reduction.
Training
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
70%
REDUCTION
Training
In 2025, the Training Captain oversaw
a 10-week, four-person recruit
academy and continued to provide
oversight of probationary firefighters
during their rotations and testing every
3 months of their probation.
WORK COMP HOURS
Recruit Academy 25 +
Instructor FE Woods and TC Gonzalez
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23
APPARATUS
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
The Fire Fleet Division is more than
vehicle management—it’s strategic asset
management. They oversee
procurement, maintenance, compliance,
parts inventory and lifecycle planning to
ensure our fleet operates at peak
performance while controlling costs and
reducing down time. In 2025, the Fleet
division completely refurbished Truck 1
and did a new Engine 4 buildout.
Refurbishment
Total Work Orders
Proactive Work Orders
Reactive Work Orders
New engine, new radiator,
and new transmission.
Parts cost: $138,914.79
Price if outsourced: $580k
73% work orders finished
within 48 hours
Scheduled maintenance, oil
changes, tire rotations,
brake inspections, battery
replacement
Breakdown repairs, operator
complaint, accident damage
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
85
112
197
TRUCK1
Supervising Fire Mechanic Vargas
Truck 1 Refurbishment
Page 86 of 454
EVENTS
April 24, 2025
May 8, 2025
24
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
This year has been marked by a wide
range of events that strengthened both
our internal operations and our
connection to the community. These
efforts reflect our ongoing commitment
not only to emergency response, but to
collaboration, transparency, and service
throughout the entire community.
March 1, 2025
Community Preparedness
Community Meeting
Vets Hall
Discussion on wildfire
readiness in SLO County
Battle of the Badges
Station #1
15 pints donated
Bike Breakfast
Station #1
Free pancakes for everyone
who rode a bike over!
May 9, 2025
Academy 25 Graduation
and Promotional
Ceremony
Station #1
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Wildfire Preparedness
Meeting
Bike Breakfast
Intern Sawyer, Intern Hughey, FF Saunders
Page 87 of 454
25
EVENTS
San Luis Obispo Fire Department
August 11, 2025
Sept 11, 2025
Oct 5 - 12, 2025
Gifford Wildfire Forum
Vets Hall
9/11 Ceremony
Station #1
Fire Prevention Week
School Visits
New Property Fire Safety
Standards Study Session
Burn Relay
Farmers Market
Open House
Nov 12 - Dec 13, 2025
Season of Hope
All Stations
Food and toy drive for local
residents in need
June 3, 2025
City Council Presentation
Updated Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
May 22, 2025
Wildfire Preparedness Meeting
Library Community Room
Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, and
Emergency Manager
Public Presentation
2 0 2 5 S a n L u i s O b i s p o F i r e D e p a r t m e n t
A n n u a l R e p o r t
9/11 Ceremony
Station #1 Open House
Page 88 of 454
Contact Us :
Main Office
(805) 781-7380
Email Address
fdgeneralslocity.org
Station #1 / Admin Office
2160 Santa Barbara Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Page 89 of 454