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.
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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.
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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.
HOW TO DISPOSE OF A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
To dispose of an old fire extinguisher that cannot be refilled or that you do not wish to refill:
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Release any pressure contained in the canister by shooting a small amount into an open area.
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Let the canister sit for a few days, making sure the pressure has been released.
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Once there is no longer any pressure, dispose in a trash bag in your regular garbage.
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Fire Extinguishers with Content
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Determine how much content is inside the fire extinguisher by looking at the pressure gauge. The gauge will show you if the unit is overcharged, at the correct pressure or in need of a recharge. Unless the fire extinguisher gauge shows the unit is at the correct pressure, it will need to be refilled or recycled.
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Contact your community's Department of Public Works to find out when the next Household Hazardous Waste Event is being held so you can dispose of any fire extinguishers that have contents remaining in the cylinder.
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Empty Fire Extinguishers
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Discharge the fire extinguisher to empty any remaining contents that might be lingering inside the cylinder. Prior to recycling, the fire extinguisher must be completely empty.
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Disconnect the head from the cylinder.
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Recycle the head and the cylinder at any drop-off site that accepts ferrous metals, such as steel.​
WARNING: Fire extinguishers that are not completely empty are considered hazardous material and should never be thrown in the trash. The contents in the cylinder are under pressure and could cause a dangerous explosion.
Tips
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If you are unsure where your empty fire extinguisher can be recycled, search for recycling centers in your area at www.Earth911.com. The website has a search feature that allows you to find drop-off locations by city, state or zip code.
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If the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher shows that the unit is overcharged, consult the owner's manual for advice or call your local fire department to determine if it is still usable.