The Fire Department responds to an average of 2811 responses annually. Fire loss over the last four year period averages $489,517 per year. Read the full overview in the City Manager's Weekly Report.

California Fire Season Continues
California is currently experiencing the driest winter in over a decade, with the last measurable rainfall occurring nearly 6 weeks ago and December rainfall totals over most of the state are at record lows. Cal Fire reports that the driest conditions can be found in the northern half of the State and it is anticipated that this weather pattern will continue for at least 2 more weeks with many meteorological models showing a continued dry pattern for the foreseeable future.
On January 9, 2012, El Cerrito engine companies responded along with Richmond, Contra Costa County, and East Bay Regional Parks to a 1 acre grass fire in Wildcat Canyon Park. Battalion 71 was the Incident Commander for this incident and was the first unit on scene. After initial units arrived on scene and assignments were given, Battalion 71 requested a Cal Fire hand crew to respond to assist. On this day, this was a simple assignment for the Cal Fire crew due to the fact that they were working on the Hillside Natural Area in El Cerrito, reducing what would normally be an extended response from Solano County. Although this fire was limited in size, crews reported that the dry conditions of this winter have effectively drawn any residual moisture from fire fuels which at this time of the year normally would resist active fires. At this point, until the State receives a significant amount of precipitation, wildland fire activity will continue.