San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

01/11/2026

Keep the scares to the costumes! Before you head out tonight, follow these tips to have a safe and happy Halloween:

🔌 Don’t overload power strips.
🔥 Keep costumes and decorations away from open flames.
🚪 Keep emergency exits clear.
🚨 Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly (please, don't remove the batteries).
🏠 Have an emergency plan.
🔦 Trick-or-treat with a buddy, carry a flashlight and look both ways before crossing the street.

Happy from all of us at 🎃

28/10/2026

23/10/2026

Working alongside neighbors to help protect homes and communities 🔥

This feature Friday we're taking a moment to recognize our Community Risk Reduction Division (CRRD), who was recently named Agency of the Year by the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County for their critical work to help San Diegans reduce their wildfire risk.
Assistant Fire Marshal Alex Kane was also awarded for his leadership. Kane has been instrumental in the division's efforts to help residents harden their homes and remove vegetation and other materials that can cause devastating damage during a wildfire.

Throughout the year, CRRD's wildfire prevention and mitigation arm does significant work to educate homeowners and businesses across the city. This includes offering personalized home risk assessments and collaborating with more than 20 local Fire Safe Councils to help communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire risk. The division has also supported a series of neighborhood "dump-a-thons" organized with Fire Safe Councils, working with the City to provide large green-waste bins and haul away vegetation neighbors have cleared around their homes to create defensible space-all at no cost to residents.

Preparedness takes all of us. Learn about the steps you can take to today harden your home and get involved at sandiego.gov/ wildtire-prevention.

22/10/2026

Crews Respond to Major Collision on 1-5 ⚠️

Shortly after 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, more than 25 San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel responded to a collision involving a box truck and sedan on the northbound 1-5, near the Washington Street exit. With the cab of the truck precariously hanging over the southbound side of the interstate, Station 2's engine crew worked quickly to extinguish fire upon arrival, as additional units arrived and proceeded to access and assess six patients, four of whom were transported to local hospitals.

The response included firefighters, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) specialists, Urban Search & Rescue personnel, and paramedics, working alongside CHP - San Diego and Caltrans District 11.

After patients were transported, crews worked to address spilled fuel on either side of the interstate and assisted with the safe removal of the box truck. Traffic was impacted for several hours.

AT SCENE: E2, E1, E3, T20, USAR2, HM1, WT28, B1, M26, M43, M15, M11, M243, FedMedic99

14/10/2026

The way you charge a lithium-ion battery can make the difference in helping prevent fires.

We couldn’t let Fire Prevention Week pass without letting you know about this year’s theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower!

Remember:
-Always use an appropriate charger for devices.
-Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow while charging (like pillows or blankets).
-Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, or power tools outside and away from exits.
-With rain expected, keep devices and chargers away from water.
-Stop using devices if very hot, swelling, smoking, or strange smelling.

Battery fires can spread quickly and be dangerous - call 911 and don’t attempt to put the fire out. Charge devices away from exits while you are alert and can monitor and react.

More information is available at:

sandiego.gov/fire/community-outreach/safety-tips/lithium-ion-safety

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

Building collaboration and resiliency for the next large water rescue. This week San Diego Fire-Rescue hosted a mass rescue operation exercise off the coast of Point Loma and near Shelter Island. The lifeguard division, along with other maritime agencies, simulated two boats crashing into each other about a half mile off the coast. The two-day exercise brought together more than a dozen regional agencies to simulate search, recovery, rescue, triage, treatment, and patient transport operations. Thank you to all the agencies involved as we strengthen coordination and enhance team capabilities during high-risk, low-frequency incidents.

03/10/2026

We’re proud to recognize SDFD Firefighter Dustin De Boer and Lifeguard Scott Swenson, who were recently honored at the Pacific Beach Town Council’s 46th annual Police and Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN).

This year’s event brought the community together to celebrate the “Year of the Firefighter” and raised significant funds to support Fire Stations 20 and 21.

Congratulations to Dustin, Scott and all of this year’s honorees — and thank you to the Pacific Beach community for your continued support.

29/09/2026

MISSION READY - 16 members of California Task Force 8 deployed to Kona, Hawaii, on Friday with specialized equipment as Tropical Cyclone Nolo threatened the islands with significant rainfall, flooding and potential swift-water rescue needs.

Once in Hawaii, the crew joined Colorado Task Force 1 and coordinated with state and local emergency management officials in preparation for potential operations.

As the storm shifted west and the immediate threat to the islands passed this weekend, CA-TF8 was demobilized. Our team is now heading home to San Diego and stands ready to support forecasted rains in New Mexico if called upon by FEMA.

Safe travels home, team!

12/09/2026

Twenty-five years later, the images and stories of September 11, 2001, remain etched in our collective memory. We remember the hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics and other first responders who ran toward danger, the people who helped strangers find their way to safety, and the countless acts of courage and compassion that emerged on one of our nation’s darkest days. We remember those who never made it home, the families who still carry their loss and all whose lives were forever changed.

For those of us in the fire service, September 11 is deeply personal. It is a reminder of the oath we take to serve, the bond we share with one another and the extraordinary courage displayed by many that morning. Today, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department pauses to honor their lives, their sacrifice and their legacy — and to remember a nation that, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, came together to help one another.

Just seven days after the attacks, more than 60 members of San Diego Urban Search & Rescue - California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8) deployed to Ground Zero to support search and rescue efforts, including many members of our SDFD family. The final photo shows some of those members together today, 25 years later, at last weekend’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

We will never forget.