HISTORY
HISTORY
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
​
SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
​
SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I have an event at a fire station?Unfortunately, we do not provide the ability to have events at our fire stations.
-
Can I request a fire engine for birthday parties or special events?Unfortunately, we do not provide fire engines for birthday parties or special events. However, we can offer a video greeting. To request a video, please email us at fire@smcfire.org.
-
Can you help with a smoke detector or carbon monoxide (CO2) detector?For information on smoke detectors and CO2 detectors, please visit our webpage: CO and Smoke Detectors.
-
Do you have patches or department merchandise for distribution?Unfortunately, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department does not have patches or merchandise for sale/distribution to the public.
-
Do you offer car seat installations or safety checks?For car seat information, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's webpage, Car Seats and Booster Seats.
-
How do I dispose of a fire extinguisher?For information on proper disposal, please visit our webpage: How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher.
-
How do I dispose of expired medications, sharps, or hazardous materials?"Expired Medications - For information on proper disposal, please visit our webpage: MED Project. Sharps - For information on proper disposal, please visit San Mateo County Health's webpage: Safe Home Needle Disposal. Hazardous Materials - All household hazardous items (i.e. batteries, oil, antifreeze, paint, fertilizers, pesticides, thermometers/thermostats, cleaning agents, aerosols, and fluorescent light bulbs) need to be disposed through the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program. Please call them at (650) 363-4718 or visit http://www.smhealth.org/hhw for an appointment.
-
How do I get a copy of an incident or investigation report?To request a copy, please visit our webpage: Request a Public Record.
-
How do I notify you that I am having a BBQ this weekend?If you are having a large BBQ, you can report it to non-emergency dispatch at (650) 368-1421. If you need a tent over 400 feet, you will need a permit. Please contact Fire Prevention for assistance at (650) 522-7940 or email PubEd@smcfire.org.
-
How do I order a Knox Box for my property?To order a Knox Box within our jurisdiction, please visit our webpage: Knox Box.
-
How do I pay for an invoice from the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department?Invoices can be paid by calling our Finance Department at (650) 522-7100. Please be advised credit card payments will be charged a convenience fee. Payments may also be made by mailing a check, including the invoice number you are paying, to: Finance Department 330 W 20th Ave San Mateo, CA 94403
-
How do I report a fire hazard?To report a fire hazard, please visit our webpage: Report a Fire Hazard.
-
How do I report a leaking fire hydrant?To report a leaking fire hydrant in Belmont, San Mateo, or Foster City, please visit one of the following webpages: Belmont - Mid-Peninsula Water District. San Mateo - California Water Service. Foster City - Foster City Access.
-
How do I report my neighbor smoking in their apartment?Unfortunately, the Fire Department cannot enforce the smoking ordinance. For questions, about the ordinace, please contact your local police department.
-
How do I request a ride-along?Unfortunately, we do not offer ride-alongs. For information about our Cadet program, please visit our webpage: Cadet Program.
-
How should I prepare for a power outage/blackout (i.e. oxygen, elevator, and garage doors)?"To learn how to prepare, please visit our webpage: Office of Emergency Services.
-
I need help getting someone up (lift assist). Who do I contact?If someone has fallen and/or needs help getting on their feet, please call our non-emergency dispatch number at (650) 368-1421. If they have any injuries of any kind, please call 911.
-
I need to test my fire alarm. How do I notify the Fire Department?Please contact non-emergency dispatch at (650) 368-1421.
-
I received an invoice from the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, and I have a question about it. Who do I call?"For questions, please call the Community Risk Reduction Division at (650) 522-7940.