Law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel are participating in Santa Cruz County’s five-day active-shooter response training this week at Soquel High School. The annual exercise, hosted by the sheriff’s office, brings together about 150 officers and more than 80 firefighters to practice coordinated response to a simulated mass-casualty incident.
Santa Cruz Fire Department
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Fire Department gets a new fire engine
Santa Cruz Fire Station 61 held a “push-in” ceremony Wednesday to celebrate its newest vehicle, a compact and highly maneuverable four-wheel-drive wildland engine designed for responding quickly to fires in rough terrain.
Posted inWestside / Downtown
Santa Cruz’s clocktower gets a new flag to celebrate Presidents Day
Firefighters, police officers and community members held the City of Santa Cruz’s third annual flag replacement ceremony at the town clock plaza on Pacific Avenue to honor Presidents Day.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Fire Department transitions to new numbering system for stations
The Santa Cruz Fire Department is now using a two-digit number for its fire stations, switching from four-digit numbers ending in 12, something that had become problematic during large incidents requiring multiple units.
Posted inLatest News
Person hospitalized after falling 80 feet from tree near UC Santa Cruz
One person was hospitalized over the weekend after falling 80 feet from a tree near UC Santa Cruz.
Posted inLatest News
No injuries after Volkswagen camper van catches fire on Highway 1
A Volkswagen Westfalia camper van was consumed by fire at Highway 1 and River Street in Santa Cruz on Monday morning. No one was injured.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County has fared well so far this fire season, but officials aren’t letting their guard down
Fire season has been fairly quiet through the first three weeks of July in Santa Cruz County, despite blazes erupting across California. However, local fire personnel caution that the driest and hottest time of the year is still ahead of us. Departments are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire hazards and are reminding people to always be prepared.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz police, fire investigating Circle Church blaze as arson
About 20 firefighters responded to a blaze that broke out early Tuesday at Santa Cruz’s Circle Church. Santa Cruz Fire Marshal Tim Shields said that the presence of multiple fires made it clear that arson was likely.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
People call the fire department for everything: A Q&A with new Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey
Climate change. Drought. More public needs of every kind. We asked new city of Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey what motivates him, and challenges him, in his new role.
