Chief's Message
On behalf of the San Mateo County Fire Department, I warmly welcome you to our website. As the CAL FIRE Unit Chief and Fire Chief of the San Mateo County Fire Department, I am honored to serve our community alongside a dedicated team of firefighters and support staff.
The San Mateo County Fire Department operates as a cooperative fire protection program with CAL FIRE, combining the expertise and resources of both organizations. This partnership ensures that our community receives the highest level of fire protection and emergency response services.
Our mission is to safeguard life, property, and natural resources through effective prevention and response. We are committed to delivering progressive and exceptional fire protection, prevention, and emergency services. Our vision is to lead in our field, achieved through collaboration and cooperation, guided by our core values: integrity, service, community and diversity.
We provide a variety of services, including fire suppression, emergency medical care, and rescue operations, from five strategically located fire stations serving the unincorporated areas of the county.
Thank you for visiting our website. We encourage you to explore our services, learn about our team, and discover how we work to protect and serve our community.
San Mateo County Fire Department Main Office
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Phone: (650)-345-1612 Email:Social Media
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Open Burn Status
All year, various burn permits are required within all areas of San Mateo County Fire Department and CAL FIRE having jurisdictional authority. Types of permits are described below. All permits can be applied for online at burnpermits.fire.ca.gov.
Open Burning
Certain types of open burning are allowable in San Mateo County. All open burning regulations are regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and require a CAL FIRE permit.
Backyard Burning
All backyard burning is prohibited throughout San Mateo County.
Broadcast Burning
Broadcast Burning is the controlled application of fire to the land to reduce wildfire hazards, clear downed trees, control plant diseases, improve rangeland and wildlife habitats, and restore natural ecosystems as outlined in Public Resources Code 4491-4494. This type of burning is sometimes called a controlled burn, prescribed fire, or prescribed burning and is one of the most important tools used to manage fire today. As catastrophic wildfires continue to be a growing concern in California, the use of prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels is projected to increase. Daily burn decisions are issued based on the forecast of air quality and meteorological conditions that can affect smoke dispersion. Certain types of projects may require CEQA approval. For more information check out the Prescribed Fires website.
Permit terms are dependent on the size and type of project. Contact CAL FIRE for more details.