Frequently Asked Questions

A: ​Dial 9-1-1

A: All CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department firefighters are trained to handle medical emergencies. In most areas, at least one paramedic firefighter is assigned to an engine.

A: A "Standard Response Plan" policy is utilized on all responses. This system is a pre-designated formula that determines the amount and type of equipment sent to the incident. For example, a residential structure fire includes a minimum of three engine companies, one squad or medic, and one Battalion Chief. If these units are not needed, they are released by the Incident Commander.

A: Call 951-657-2161 to report, update or cancel a Ringing Alarm.

A: The firefighters might not be at the station when you call. Even if they are, the firefighters will still have to activate 9-1-1 so that other emergency responders are notified. On the other hand, the 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable and life-saving seconds. When you dial 9-1-1, the system routes the call to the police or fire department that is closest to your home.

A: The public phone number for Riverside County Fire Department is (951) 940-6900.  You can also click here to see a list of contact information for the Department.

A: Click here for information on Bark Beetles and Bark Beetle Management.

​A: Contact Riverside County Environmental Health at 951-358-5055.

A: ​Click here to find out about Riverside County's Early Warning Notification System.

A: ​Click here to view Riverside County Fire Department Equipment.

A: ​You can file a complaint using one of two methods.  Click this link to see how.

A: Email the Riverside County Incident Information and Media Relations Bureau with your questions or to schedule an event. To email your request now: click here.

A: Click here to find your local Fire Station.

A: Activities, statistics, and other vital information about our department. Click Here to view the Annual Report.

A: Click here to visit our Pre-Fire Management Site.

A: Click here to see a Feed of Active Incidents.

A: ​Contact our Custodian of Records at 951-943-4970 or click here for instructions.

A: ​From West Riverside County call 951-950-8507, or from Desert Communities call 760-393-3453.

A: For the Fire Department's Organization Charts, click here.

A: Click Here to see other Fire Departments in Riverside County.

A: Click here to view recent Press Releases.

A: Click here to provide feedback on Website Services and Fire Operations.

A: ​Click here to visit our Pre-Fire Management Site.

A: Click here to visit our Fire Hazard Abatement site.

A: Return it to your nearest Riverside County (or contracting city) fire station. Your local community-based Volunteer Reserve Firefighter (VRF) will then contact you to set up an interview. If you have other fire department or EMS training certificates, please attach copies to your application.

A: If your application is accepted by the VRF Program and the Riverside County Fire Department, you will be classified as a "recruit" (a non-responding position until you finish training) and placed on six-month's probation. You will be required to attend and successfully complete multiple firefighting and safety training classes. The department may offer training courses in a structured, formal training academy or on a self-paced program. These classes may be taught in the evenings and/or on the weekends depending on operational availability. Your attendance will be required at every training session. Poor attendance will result in removal from the training program and separation of your membership from the Riverside County Fire Department VRF Program. Federal law also requires successful completion of a 16-hour Hazardous Materials course before you are permitted to respond to incidents.

A: In addition to the basic firefighter training cited above, California State Law also requires successful completion of an EMS First Responder/CPR or EMT course within one (1) year. Once you are authorized to respond to incidents, the Riverside County Fire Department requires you to participate in a minimum of three (3) hours of fire or rescue-type training every month.

A: Once you have completed most of your training you will be given an appointment to obtain your firefighting (wildland and structural) safety gear from the Department Service Center. Your safety gear must be stored at the fire station until you are authorized to take it home. The department does not provide uniforms. Clean, presentable and professional-looking civilian clothing is permissible during classroom training until such time as you obtain an approved VRF uniform.

A: Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are not permitted to respond to any emergency until you have completed the Volunteer Reserve Firefighter Trainee Program AND have been given approval to respond to emergencies by the Station Captain. For training and supervisor purposes, your initial responses should be done while riding on fire/rescue apparatus from the fire station. Certain restrictions apply to volunteers lacking EMS/CPR certification. Consult with the station Captain and VRF Program President about current policies.

A: All Volunteer Firefighters are issued fire department pagers that enable you to hear emergency dispatches in your community. Volunteers are encouraged to respond to emergencies on fire/rescue equipment; however they are authorized to respond to certain nearby emergencies in their private vehicles under strict guidelines. Motor vehicle laws must be adhered to and at no time shall any rotating or flashing lights or siren be used with private vehicles. All appropriate safety gear must be worn at all times. The station Captain and VRF Program President must be consulted prior to responding in a private vehicle.

A: nce you complete your basic training (Volunteer Reserve Firefighter Trainee) and are approved to respond, you will be required to meet minimum participation standards. Riverside County Fire Department requires you to participate in a minimum of three hours of fire or rescue type training every month. Your VRF Program may have additional monthly or quarterly minimum training, vehicle maintenance, meeting, and response participation requirements.

A: Firefighter duties require the ability to perform heavy physical work, follow verbal and written instruction, and be able to work in situations where heat and/or stress are intense. All Firefighters (paid or volunteer reserve) can be subjected to very demanding conditions while fighting fires (wildland, structure, vehicle) or providing rescue services. Extended periods of work time may be required; walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending and lifting firefighting or heavy rescue equipment or victims.

A: You will be enrolled into the State Workers Compensation Insurance Program prior to the start of any training. Safety standards will be strictly enforced at all times. You will be required to read and comply with all safety standards at all times. You are required to report any injury to your immediate supervisor.

A: Limited hourly compensation is offered for actual firefighting duties. Over 80% of all emergency responses are non-fire related and therefore do not offer compensation. Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are members of their community-based Volunteer Reserve Fire Company and offer their volunteer services for the benefit and protection of their community.

A: Firefighter duties require the ability to perform heavy physical work, follow oral and written directions, and be able to work in situations where heat and/or stress are intense. All Firefighters (paid or volunteer) can be subjected to very demanding conditions, while fighting fires (wildland, structure, vehicle) or providing rescue services. Extended periods of work time may be required, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting firefighting or heavy rescue equipment or victims.

A: Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. For more information click here.

A: Smoke detectors should be placed in each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to test smoke detectors regularly! For more information click here.

A: DUCK, COVER and HOLD! If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, underpasses or power lines. Remain inside until shaking is over. If you are in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators. For more information click here.

A: To protect your home from wildfires, you must create a "safety zone" or "firebreak" by reducing the amount of dead or dying fuel (vegetation) around your home. This does not necessarily mean all vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees around your home that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve as a firebreak. For more information click here.

A: The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a floor-plan of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your exit drill is realistic. For more information click here.

A: Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs. For more information click here.

A: Click here to visit our Earthquake Preparedness Site

A: ​Click here to see important Safety information.

A: Visit the following website The Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program | FAQ | Verisk to obtain the ISO rating /public protection classification for your property. Your Insurance company or agent can obtain this information for you. Call 800-444-4554 Option 2 for details.

A: In the Riverside area call 951-955-4777.  In the Desert Community Areas call 760-863-8886.

A: Click here to visit the Fire Protection Planning site

A: Contact your local Fire Station to obtain a required permit to burn - click here to find your local fire station.

A: ​Call 760-863-8886.

A: Click here to learn what you need to know before you burn.

A: Contact the Riverside County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 951-955-4700.

A: Click here to visit the County of Riverside's employment site.

A: ​Click here​ to see information regarding scheduled classes.

A: Contact the Volunteer Program Services at 951-571-8631 or click here to visit the Volunteer Services website.