Fire Crews

Much of the fuel reduction work in San Mateo County is done by CAL FIRE hand crews: crews of up to 17 members led by a fire captain, trained in chainsaws, chippers, and vegetation work, and among the most efficient resources available for building fuel breaks and thinning overgrown vegetation.

FIRE SAFE San Mateo County established this partnership with CAL FIRE and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) more than 20 years ago. Crews from the program have completed fuel reduction projects across the county and the Peninsula, from shaded fuel breaks in County Parks to defensible space zones around hillside communities; see our past projects.

These crews are more than a labor force. As Type 1 firefighting hand crews they are on call around the clock as an initial attack resource for vegetation fires, and they deploy to natural disasters and emergencies statewide. The same crews who build a fuel break in Huddart Park in the spring may hold a fire line on it in October.

Sponsoring a Project

Public agencies and organizations can sponsor fuel reduction projects using CAL FIRE crews. Sponsors must have a memorandum of understanding (form FC-31) on file with CAL FIRE and submit project proposals on form FC-32. By submitting an approved proposal, the sponsor agrees to:

• Pay all costs directly related to the project, except wages and support costs for CAL FIRE employees, incarcerated crew members, or wards.
• Demonstrate adequate plans and specifications, sufficient funds, materials, supplies, equipment, technical supervision, and any special labor the project requires.
• Obtain all approvals, notifications, and permits required by state, federal, or local agencies before work begins.
• Hold an orientation meeting with CAL FIRE at the start of the project to explain its technical aspects, execution, and purpose.

To start a project conversation, contact us or reach the CAL FIRE San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit (CZU) directly.