The Fire Department functions as an “All Hazards” response agency by responding to requests for service that include Structural, Vehicle, Grass, and other Exterior Miscellaneous Fires. We are a First Responder to Medical Emergencies and Traffic Accidents, as well as other Hazardous Conditions such as Downed Power Lines, Chemical Spills and Public Service calls such as Flooding.
The FFD answers approximately 1200 Alarms each year. In addition to protecting the 11,000 people within the 2.3 square mile corporate city limits, we have a reciprocal automatic aid agreement with the Tulare County Fire Department, therefore response within a 56 square mile area surrounding the city is common. The "Closest Resource Concept" serves the public well and it is not unusual to see firefighters and apparatus from Farmersville, Exeter, Visalia, Tulare County & Cal Fire working closely together using common tactics on shared radio channels.
The Fire Department also participates in mutual aid strike team response regionally and throughout California when requested by the State Office of Emergency Services.
Response readiness is a top priority in the fire service. Routine apparatus & equipment checks regularly occur to meet the challenge of emergency response. In addition, maintenance and testing of equipment takes up a considerable amount of time between answering alarms and training. This includes checking and maintaining the city's fire hydrants of which there are just under 250. All fire pumps are tested annually as is each piece of fire hose in the departments 10,000 ft. inventory.