Fire Safety

Committed to keeping our Tribe and California safe

The San Manuel Fire Department (SMFD) was established in 2003 to fight the threat of wildfires on our Reservation in San Bernardino National Forest. Today, SMFD ranks among the top fire departments in the country, serving as stewards and protectors of our ancestral lands, Tribal Citizens and neighboring communities.

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

SMFD operates from a state-of-the-art fire station in service since June 2004. This facility serves as headquarters, training center, and firehouse and encompasses approximately 14,000 square feet. The Fire Chief heads a department of 32 full-time employees, including administrative staff.

The only tribal fire department with Class 1 ISO Rating

Since 2020, SMFD has operated in the highest tier for training, equipment readiness, fire prevention and emergency response. A class 1 (ISO) community hazard mitigation rating places the department in the top 1% of fire departments nationwide.