In the wake of devastating wildfires that have repeatedly scorched the region, the Santa Rosa Fire Department is instituting improvements to bolster local emergency response capabilities. Eight years after the 2017 Tubbs and Nuns Fires, and against the backdrop of subsequent infernos such as the 2020 Glass Fire and the 2019 Kincade Fire, the department is taking concrete steps to address service gaps and increase regional fire safety and efficiency.
The enhancements are funded by Measure H, a voter-approved sales tax measure from March 2024 that directs resources to fire agencies across Sonoma County. The Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) proclaims, in a recent announcement shared by the City of Santa Rosa, the introduction of vital resources, which include an extra engine company, a second on-duty Battalion Chief, and two Fire Inspectors—all underwritten by the Measure H funds.
This marks the first time since 2007 that SRFD has augmented its daily staffing with permanent resources. A temporary home for the new engine has been established at Fire Station 1 on Sonoma Avenue to serve the increasing demands of downtown and southern Santa Rosa areas. The second Battalion Chief will enhance emergency management capabilities, ensuring two chief officers are always available, a critical upgrade for the community's safety infrastructure.
Moreover, the addition of Fire Inspectors will fortify the SRFD’s ability to conduct inspections for defensible space and evaluate the wildfire risks across approximately 9,000 parcels within the City of Santa Rosa Wildland Urban Interface. To accommodate the expansion in staff, the department has also commenced a new academy, embarking on the training of rookie firefighters at SRFD’s own Training Center. Future allocations from Measure H are poised to cover new fire station development and further staffing enhancements.
