About Us

South Coast Fire Protection District (SCFPD) is a Special District located in Gualala, California and serves approximately 10 miles along the coastal region of southern Mendocino County. It is primarily a volunteer fire department that provides fire, medical, and rescue services from four fire stations. 

SCFPD was established on February 1, 1961 through action by the State of California to LAFCo formation the following year. The majority of the department funding comes as a benefit assessment on parcels within its boundaries. Additional funding is provided through a small portion of regular property taxes, California Prop 172, Mendocino County TOT Measure D, and Mendocino County Measure P. 

As a public agency, the department is governed by a board of directors composed of five elected members from the community. Operations and administration are overseen by the Fire Chief and an Executive Administrator/Firefighter. The majority of the personnel are dedicated volunteers, including two Battalion Chiefs, three Captains, and approximately 25 Firefighters and Fire Apparatus Engineers. All personnel receive training from federal and state agencies as well as regular department training. 

As an all-risk department, SCFPD provides the following services:

• Water Rescue – Only team between Bodega Bay and the town of Mendocino
• Rope Rescue
• Search & Rescue
• Medical Response
• Wildland Fires 
• Structure Fires
• Hazmat Response
• Strike Team/Prepositions throughout the state
• Mutual Aid to neighboring departments/agencies
• Auto Aid Agreements with 
  • Redwood Coast Fire Protection District located in Point Arena and Manchester
  • North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District located in The Sea Ranch and Annapolis
  • Timber Cove Fire Protection District located in Timber Cove
  • Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District located in the valleys around Lake Sonoma
  • Anderson Valley Community Services District located in Booneville
  • Coast Life Support District located in Gualala (this is the local Emergency Medical Services/ambulance)

There are four stations strategically located throughout the 25 square mile District such that all buildings are within 5 miles of a station:

• Station 750 – downtown Gualala
• Station 751 – Ocean Ridge Drive
• Station 752 – Anchor Bay
• Station 753 – Iversen Drive