The Operations Division respondsto “all hazards” in the community. Personnel must be prepared for fires, explosions, trauma/medical related incidents, hazardous materials releases, transportation related accidents, natural and man made disasters, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the rescue of trapped victims. This division also responds to all manner of non-emergency calls for service to assist citizens when there is no one else available to provide assistance. These calls include pumping flooded basements, securing downed wires, providing lift assistance to the ill or infirmed and seeking out the source of potentially dangerous odors or other similarly related calls for service.

We are responsible for providing:

EMS guidelines are managed through a number of programs, including:

Continuing education programs for both EMT's and Paramedics ensure that personnel are trained to appropriate knowledge and skill levels.

San Mateo Fire's emergency calls for service are in excess of 7,000 times a year.

The goal for San Mateo County Fire Service is to respond to 90 % of all Priority 1, emergency calls in six minutes 59 seconds (6:59) or less.

The Training Division delivers programs that develop multiple manipulative skills for response personnel and also strives to enhance the leadership capability of the department. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire suppression/rescue training is provided via a “task force” configuration in conjunction with Burlingame, Millbrae, Hillsborough and San Bruno Fire departments.