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How it Began...
The Loma Linda Fire Department traces its origins back to 1929, evolving from the Loma Linda University Fire Department, which was first organized on August 28, 1922. In 1929, a constitution was adopted to officially form the Loma Linda Fire Department. The department initially consisted of 38 volunteers, including one Fire Chief, one Assistant Chief, six Captains, six Lieutenants, and 24 Firefighters. These volunteers staffed two truck companies, one chemical auxiliary, and one police company.
At the time, Loma Linda was a township divided into five fire districts:
- District 1: Sanitarium Hill
- District 2: College Division
- District 3: South Side of the City
- District 4: West Side of the City and Ladera Street
- District 5: Pepper Street, Court Street, Ohio Street, and Colton Avenue
A steam whistle at the fire station alerted volunteers to the district where a fire was located. The original equipment included "pumpers" like the Seagrave and a Model "AA" Ford, along with hose carts. The Model "AA" is now on display in the Fire Department Museum, along with other historical artifacts.
In 1970, the City of Loma Linda was incorporated, and the fire department transitioned to a combination department with both full-time and part-time members.
The original fire station was housed in the old Loma Linda University power plant at 10936 Parkland. In 1982, the current station was built at 11325 Loma Linda Drive, now known as Fire Station 251. A second station, Fire Station 252, was opened in 2009 at 10520 Ohio Street.
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Today...
Today, the City of Loma Linda Fire Department is a full-time career department. It consists of a Fire Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, six Captains, nine Engineers, and nine Firefighter/Paramedics.
A typical 48-hour shift includes one Battalion Chief, two Captains, three Engineers, and three Firefighter/Paramedics. These personnel staff one command vehicle, one paramedic engine company, a paramedic truck company, and a paramedic squad. They also cross-staff a water tender, brush engine, all-terrain response vehicle, and an incident support apparatus.
During the week, the population of Loma Linda swells from around 25,000 to nearly 60,000, significantly increasing the call volume. To manage this, a daytime engine (ME251) is deployed to assist with the increased demand.
The Loma Linda Fire Department is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the city. To stay current, personnel complete over 6,000 combined hours of continuing education and training each year.
Over the past 20 years, the Loma Linda Fire Department has been an active participant in the state mutual aid program, assisting with major disasters across California. Notable incidents include the 1980 Panorama Fire, which destroyed over 400 homes and 600 acres in the San Bernardino area, and the 1997 Narrows Fire in Wrightwood, which burned over 18,000 acres. More recently, the department was deeply involved in the 2003 Grand Prix and Old Fires, as well as the 2017 Thomas Fire. The Loma Linda Fire Department remains a highly relied-upon part of wildland strike teams and task forces.
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Emergency Medical Response..
The majority of 911 calls in Loma Linda are medically related, making emergency medical services a top priority for the department. On Labor Day 2000, the City of Loma Linda launched a new Paramedic Program. Now, each unit responds with a Paramedic/Firefighter, allowing the department to provide advanced medical treatment to the citizens of Loma Linda in the shortest possible time.
Currently, the department has nine career Firefighter/Paramedics, as well as Engineers and Captains who maintain their paramedic certifications. The remaining members of the department are certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
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Services...
In addition to emergency response, the Loma Linda Fire Department is responsible for fire hydrant testing, fire investigations, CPR/First Aid courses, and fire safety programs. Department personnel are trained in heavy rescue, hazardous materials response, vehicle extrication, emergency medical services, and fire suppression in structural, high-rise, wildland, and vehicle firefighting.
The Community Risk Reduction Division, managed by the Fire Marshal, oversees Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, Parking Control, and Animal Control.
The City of Loma Linda covers approximately 7.6 square miles. Running through the city are major freeways, rail lines, and fuel delivery pipelines, requiring a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness. Throughout the year, the department coordinates disaster drills to better prepare local businesses and hospitals, as well as to sharpen the skills of emergency personnel.
Firefighters also regularly host tours of the fire stations for local school students. During these tours, students learn about the fire station, vehicles, and the duties of firefighters. They even get to participate in activities such as rolling hoses or using a real fire hose! Sparky the firedog often makes a special guest appearance, much to the delight of everyone.
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