Continuing to Build Partnerships with Tribal Nations, State Adds San Manuel Fire Department to Mutual Aid Fire and Rescue System

This addition amplifies California's robust mutual aid fire and rescue system and strengthens the community's incident response capacity.

SAN BERNARDINO – As part of an ongoing effort to protect California communities from a variety of disasters, including wildfires, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is proud to announce a new partnership with tribal nations.

Through an agreement with the state, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the San Manuel Fire Department are now partners in the California Mutual Aid Fire and Rescue System.

In particular, Cal OES is awarding a Type III fire truck to the San Manuel Fire Department, increasing its capacity to respond to local and statewide incidents.

In the event of a disaster, this engine may be called upon to preposition or respond to emergency incidents throughout the state.

“The addition of a new tribal nation to California’s mutual aid fire and rescue system is a source of pride for Cal OES,” said Nancy Ward, director of Cal OES. “Deploying additional resources to California communities means we can keep more people safe while continuing to strive for faster response to disasters.”

“This government-to-government partnership allows San Manuel to play an even greater role in saving California” said President Lynn Valbuena. “The Governor and Legislature recognize the critical role of tribes in managing emergency services, and through this agreement, we are strengthening our ability to fulfill the critical government responsibility of protecting people, wildlife and our lands sacred ancestral.

Thanks to legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the state is now authorized to enter into mutual aid agreements with tribes, improving tribes' access to federal funding and reimbursements when they assist in disasters, like forest fires.

This new partnership adds to California's already robust mutual aid fire and rescue system, deploying a fleet of more than 270 fire engines to more than 150 fire departments across the state. Before and during a disaster or emergency, these engines and their crews can rapidly deploy throughout the state to increase local capacity.

Type III fire trucks are 4×4 vehicles that can be driven off-road to fight wildfires in California, in addition to responding to all-hazards events. They have the capacity to carry a crew of 4 and carry 500 gallons of water.

ABOUT CAL OES

Cal OES serves as the state's primary emergency management agency, including responding, directing and coordinating state and federal resources and mutual aid assets in all regions to support communities across the state.

ABOUT SAN MANUEL FIRE DEPARTMENT

The San Manuel Fire Department (SMFD) provides emergency and non-emergency services to protect the lives and property of our tribal citizens, employees, customers, and guests on our reservation. SMFD also protects environmental, cultural and economic resources.

The San Manuel Fire Department's mission is critical to developing, implementing and sustaining innovative prevention programs and strategies, as well as safety education and training for our community.

SMFD promotes partnerships with other tribal departments, as well as outside public safety agencies, to promote a dynamic emergency response capability.

SMFD operates out of a state-of-the-art fire station that has been in operation since June 2004. This facility serves as its headquarters, training center and fire station and covers approximately 14,000 square feet. The fire chief manages a department of 32 full-time employees, including administrative staff.