Fire

Mission

The mission of the Chowchilla Fire Department is to protect life, property, and the environment from the effects of fire, medical emergencies, and hazards; we accomplish this through fire suppression, emergency medical service, hazardous materials mitigation, technical rescue, and public education.

Department Structure

The department has 25 active volunteer members with years of service ranging from one year to over 30 years. Currently, our department has an updated ISO rating of 4. Regular training meetings are held three times monthly, and special training sessions are scheduled throughout the year. 

An ISO Rating of 4 was updated effective April 1st, 2021. Owners should check with their insurance companies to ensure they get the most benefit from the adjusted rate.

Before You Burn

Understand fireplace restrictions and view the Check Before You Burn page provided by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Also, burning trash, including green waste, and even having a small outdoor fire are against the City Ordinance.

Funding

The Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department is funded primarily through City general fund revenues. The department also relies on various grant funding sources and the generosity of local individuals and civic service clubs that donate to further the progress of the department.

Through funding from both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and the Homeland Security Grant through the State’s Office of Emergency Services, the Chowchilla Fire Department has been able to provide new turnout gear, portable radios, breathing apparatus, and wildland gear for the firefighters.

The Citizens of Chowchilla recently passed Measure N, which is a Public Safety Sales tax.  The funds from this tax will be used to assist the Chowchilla Police Department as well as the Chowchilla Fire Department.  The Public Safety Sales Tax will allow the CVFD to purchase specialized equipment and hire staff, among other things.  The City has created two full-time paid positions for the department, which are a Battalion Chief and a Fire Inspector.

Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer firefighters are NOT employees of the City of Chowchilla (“City”). Instead, these individuals provide fire services to the City through the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department Association ("Association"). This webpage is provided as a courtesy to the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department Association, and all information submitted through this page will be forwarded to the Association for consideration. Following review and approval by the Association, the Chowchilla Fire Chief will make the final determination regarding an applicant's suitability to provide fire services in accordance with the existing Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Chowchilla and the Association.  Applicants who wish to provide additional information or have any questions regarding their application should email these directly to the Association via email at 240 N. First Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, applications are accepted Volunteer Fire Deptwhen openings are available. You may fill out a Volunteer Firefighter Application Online by clicking Here.