One of SFD's primary goals is to promote fire safety in the home. The SFD uses a mix of published safety information, firehouse tours, school visits, and Sparky the Fire Dog to get the fire and life safety message out. The FPD staff is also charged by State law to regularly inspect occupancies such as places of assembly, schools, multi-family dwellings, residential care facilities, and healthcare facilities.

We are always your first responders. The Salinas Fire Department has a minimum of 8 firefighter paramedics on duty each day who respond to all 911 calls for medical assistance. The quick response by firefighter paramedics on the fire engines and truck companies stationed throughout the city provides more immediate care during those initial critical minutes of medical emergencies.

Disaster preparedness is another responsibility of the SFD. Currently, due to budget cuts, the Fire Chief and the department's CERT instructor are the Disaster Preparedness Officers for the City of Salinas. Through this appointment, they are responsible for and participate in the planning, development, and promotion of disaster preparedness plans and programs for the entire city.

We help keep you safe behind the scenes. The FPD staff conducts fire plans examination and inspections of new construction, and permitting and inspection of fire protection systems, hazardous operations, special events, and special occupancies. This division is made up of a Fire Marshall, 3 Fire Inspectors, and one part-time Fire Plan Checker. They are supported by one part time office technician. Fire Chief Edmond Rodriguez emphasizes that the FPD staff take a balanced and uniform approach to application of the fire codes and regulations that affect the citizens, business, and the environment.