Central Calaveras Fire District Today

What is a Special District?

Special districts are local government agencies that provide essential services to millions of Californians.  Special districts are formed and governed by local residents to establish essential services and infrastructure in their communities.  Each special district focuses on providing specific types of services.  It is this focused service that allows for innovation and long-term planning to meet the community’s needs. 

Who are we?

Central Calaveras Fire and Rescue Protection District is an independent special district.  This means we are independent from other governments.  We are:

• Directly accountable to the people we serve;
• A local form of government;
• Governed by a board of directors elected directly by the voters.

We are governed by a five Board of Directors that meet monthly, who working closely with our Fire Chief and Administrative Assistant on district goals and budgetary items. 

How are we funded?

We DO NOT receive any State or Federal funds.  Special districts are funded by a small portion of local property taxes and fees for service.  They keep local dollars focused on local priorities.

Local Property Taxes

• Financial Stability
• Infrastructure bonding capability
• Non-enterprise service

Special Grants:  Central Fire aggressively pursues grant funding and has received over $500,000 in grants over the last 5 years.  These grants have been used to upgrade the life-saving equipment used by our firefighters to more effectively and safely provide emergency services.  Grants are competitive and are generally awarded to fund a specific project or equipment.  They cannot be used to fund the daily operations of the District.

Strike Teams:  Central Calaveras Fire participates in the California Master Mutual Aid System and during the summer wildland season sends firefighters and fire apparatus to fires around the State.  Central Calaveras Fire pays it’s firefighters for these assignments and pays additional firefighters to maintain minimum staffing levels in the Fire District.  Central Calaveras Fire is reimbursed by the State for these costs as well as the maintenance costs associated with the use of the Fire Apparatus. 

What we do?

Central Fire responds to an average of 400 calls for service annually.

We protect an area that is approximately 157 square miles and is home to 5,000 residents. 

We are a progressive all risk/all hazard organization committed to a state of readiness at all times.

There are three shifts that work a 48-hour on-duty / 96 hour off-duty shift schedule.  Each shift is comprised of a paid Fire Officer and one to three resident firefighters.