Los Angeles Fire Department

Not to be confused with Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD or LA City Fire) provides Firefighting Services as well as Technical Rescue Services,Hazardous Materials Services and Emergency Medical Services to the city of Los Angeles, California, United States.^[6] The LAFD is responsible for approximately 4 million people who live in the agency's 471 square miles (1,220 km²) jurisdiction.^[7] The Los Angeles Fire Department was founded in 1886 and is the third largest municipal fire department in the United States, after the New York City Fire Department and the Chicago Fire Department. The department may be unofficially referred to as the Los Angeles City Fire Department or "LA City Fire" to distinguish it from the Los Angeles County Fire Department which serves the county and whose name may directly confuse people, as the county seat is the city. Another possible reason is that the city and the unincorporated county are often bordering each other and thus the two appear to be serving the same area. The department is currently under the command of chief Kristin Crowley.

Los Angeles Fire Department

Seal of the LAFD
Operational area
Country	United States
State	California
County	Los Angeles
City	Los Angeles
Agency overview^[1]^[2]^[3]
Established	February 1, 1886; 137 years ago (1886-02-01)
Annual calls	505,988 (2022)
Employees	3,902 (2023-2024)
Annual budget	$854,000,000 (2023-2024)
Staffing	Career
Fire chief	Kristin Crowley
EMS level	Advanced Life Support (ALS) & Basic Life Support (BLS)
IAFF	IAFF Local 112
Motto	"Serving with Courage, Integrity, and Pride"
Facilities and equipment^[4]^[5]
Divisions	4
Battalions	14
Stations	106
Engines	140
Trucks	43
Rescues	1
Ambulances	94
Tenders	2
HAZMAT	4
USAR	6
Airport crash	9
Wildland	6
Bulldozers	2
Helicopters	6
Fireboats	5
Website
Official website
IAFF website

History

 

LAFD on the scene of a fire in the Bradbury Building, Downtown Los Angeles in 1947.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has it origins in the year 1871.^[8][9][10] In September of that year, George M. Fall, the County Clerk for Los Angeles County organized Engine Company No. 1. It was a volunteer firefighting force with an Amoskeag fire engine and a hose jumper (cart). The equipment was hand-drawn to fires. In the spring of 1874, the fire company asked the Los Angeles City Council to purchase horses to pull the engine. The Council refused and the fire company disbanded.^[11]

Many of the former members of Engine Company No. 1 reorganized under the name of Thirty-Eights No. 1 in May 1875, Engine Co. No. 2 was organized under the name Confidence Engine Company.^[11]

Los Angeles acquired its first "hook and ladder" truck for the Thirty-Eights. It proved to be too cumbersome and was ill-adapted to the needs of the city. It was sold to the city of Wilmington. In 1876, another "hook and ladder" truck was purchased, serving in the city until 1881.^[11]

In 1878, a third fire company was formed by the residents in the neighborhood of Sixth Street and Park. It was given the name of "Park Hose Co. No. 1". East Los Angeles formed a hose company named "East Los Angeles Hose Co. No. 2" five years later. The final volunteer company was formed in the fall of 1883 in the Morris Vineyard area. This company was called "Morris Vineyard Hose Co. No.3."^[11]

All of these companies remained in service until February 1, 1886, when the present paid fire department came into existence.^[11]

In 1877, the first horses were bought for the city fire department. The department would continue to use horses for its equipment for almost fifty years, phasing out the last horse drawn equipment on July 19, 1921.^[12]

By 1900, the department had grown to 18 fire stations with 123 full-time paid firefighters and 80 fire horses.^[12] The city had also installed 194 fire-alarm boxes allowing civilians to sound the alarm if a fire was spotted. 660 fire hydrants were placed throughout the city, giving firefighters access to a reliable water source.^[13] In 1955 Station 78 in Studio City became the first racially integrated station in the department.^[14]

Since 1978 the LAFD has provided emergency medical and fire suppression services to the city of San Fernando by contract .^[15]

In responses to the 2020 pandemic, the LAFD has helped to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to residents from Los Angeles. Also, more than 1,800 Los Angeles firefighters have received the COVID-19 vaccine.^[16][17]

In 2022, Kristin Crowley became the first female, and the first openly gay, chief of the LAFD.^[18]

Organization

Administration

Administration has The official office for the Fire Chief of the department. CAD designation of 'FC1' and radio designation of 'Fire Chief'. The Fire Chief reports directly to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Executive Bureau / Chief of Staff

Executive Bureau/Chief Of Staff is Commanded by a Deputy Chief (Bureau Commander) who holds the title of Chief of Staff. Assisted by an Executive Administrative Assistant II and Senior Management Analyst I. In 2022, the Executive Bureau was changed from the previous name of Administration Bureau.^[19]

Planning Section

Planning Section is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander), who maintains regular business hours (Monday-Friday). It Also consists of four Captains and one Secretary.

Employee Relations Division

Employee Relations Division Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Division Commander), who maintains regular business hours (Monday-Friday). They are assisted by a Secretary.

Community Liaison Office

Community Liaison Unit is Commanded by a civilian Public Information Director, who holds the assignment of Community Liaison Officer. It Maintains regular business hours (Monday-Friday).

Community Service Unit

Community Service Unit is Commanded by a Captain I (Unit Commander), who holds the assignment of Department Public Information Officer. It Maintains regular business hours (Monday-Friday).

The Community Service Unit also consists of three Public Service Officers (PSOs) who hold the department rank of Firefighter/Specialist. It Maintains 24-hour platoon duty.

Community Risk Reduction Unit

Community Risk Reduction Unit is Commanded by a Captain I (Unit Commander). Two Fire Inspector Is are also assigned to the CRRU.

FireStat LA Section

Firestat LA Section is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander) and the Fire Statistical Manager. It Also consists of two Senior Fire Statistical Analyst.

Responsible for Departmental statistics, such as the City wide response metrics.

Professional Standards Division

Professional standards division is Commanded by an Assistant Chief (Division Commander), civilian Chief Special Investigator and Battalion Chief.

Internal Investigations Unit

Internal investigations unit Consists of civilian Fire Special Investigators and Captains who serve as Department Advocates.

Administrative Operations

Administrative Operations is Commanded by a Chief Deputy, who has a CAD designation of 'CM1' and radio designation of 'Command 1'. They are is assisted by an Executive Administrative Assistant II, Administrative Clerk and a Battalion Chief who has the title of 'Executive Officer, Administrative Operations'.

Risk Management Section

All taken from RISK MANAGEMENT SECTION OVERVIEW Board of Fire Commissioners Report. risk management section is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander) who has the title 'Department Health and Safety Officer'. They are assisted by one Captain II (Chief Litigation Officer / On-Call Incident Safety Officer), one Captain I (Department Safety Coordinator / On-Call Incident Safety Officer) and a Secretary.

The primary objective of the Risk Management Section is to augment the line functions of the department by administering the department's In-Service Training Section, the Recruit Training Section, and the Quality Improvement Section. Specialized personnel assigned to Risk Management include the Department Safety Officer. The majority of personnel assigned to the Section maintain regular business hours.

Records Unit

Records Unit is Commanded by a Captain I (Unit Supervisor) who is also an Incident Safety Officer. Also consists of two Senior Administrative Clerks and one Administrative Clerk.

Injury Prevention Unit

Injury prevention unit is Commanded by a Captain I (Unit Supervisor) who is also an Incident Safety Officer. Also consists of a Certified Athletic Trainer.

Medical Liaison Unit

Medical liaison unit is Commanded by a Captain II (Unit Supervisor). They are assisted by four Captain Is (assuming one for each Bureau?) and one Administrative Clerk.

Administrative Services Bureau

Administrative services bureau is Commanded by the Fire Administrator (Bureau Commander), who has a CAD designation of 'FA1' and a radio designation of 'Fire Administrator'. Assisted by a Secretary.

The primary objective of this Bureau is the implementation of administrative staff functions in accordance with current policies and procedures as established by the Fire Chief.

Financial Services Division

Financial Services Division is Commanded by a Chief Management Analyst (Division Commander).

Budget Management Section

Budget Management Section is Commanded by a Senior Management Analyst II (Section Commander).

Budget Preparation/Control Budget Preparation/Control is under the command of three Senior Management Analyst Is, one Management Analyst and one Management Assistant.

Revenue Management Section

Revenue Management Section is Commanded by a Senior Management Analyst II (Section Commander). It Also consists of two Senior Management Analyst Is, one Management Analyst and one Management Assistant.

EMS Records Section

Commanded by a Senior Management Analyst II (Section Commander).

EMS Records Unit EMS Records Unit is Commanded by a Senior Management Analyst I (Unit Commander). Also consists of one Senior Administrative Clerk, four Administrative Clerks and one Management Assistant.

Contracts Unit Contracts Unit is Commanded by a Senior Management Analyst I (Unit Commander). Also consists of one Management Analyst.

Fiscal Systems and Audit Section

Fiscal Systems and Audit Section is Commanded by a Fiscal Systems Specialist II (Section Commander). This Also consists of one Fiscal Systems Specialist I, one Senior Auditor, one Auditor I and one Accounting Clerk.

Accounting Services Section

Accounting Services Section is Commanded by a Departmental Chief Accountant III (Section Commander).

Human Resources Division

Human Resources Division is Commanded by a Personnel Director II (Division Commander).

Selection and Records

Selection and records is Commanded by a Senior Personnel Analyst II.

Personnel Services Section

Personnel Services Section is Commanded by a Senior Personnel Analyst I (Section Commander).

Selection Unit Selection Unit Consists of three Personnel Analysts and one Senior Administrative Clerk. Civilian & Sworn selection, Bilingual, Advanced Vacant Step Hiring (Civilian), Advanced Starting Salary Falls & Education Bonus (Sworn)

Records Unit

Records Unit Consists of one Senior Personnel Analyst I, one Personnel Records Supervisor, one Personnel Analyst, two Senior Administrative Clerks and one Office Services Assistant.

Fire Prevention & Public Safety Bureau

Fire Prevention & Public Safety Bureau is Commanded by a Deputy Chief (Bureau Commander), who also holds the title of Fire Marshal. They have a CAD designation of 'CM5' and a radio designation of 'Command 5'. Assistant is commanded by an Assistant Chief (Assistant Bureau Commander), who also holds the title of Assistant Fire Marshal. It Also consists of a Secretary and Management Analyst.

Administrative Section

Administrative Section is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander). They are assisted by an Office Services Assistant.

Legal Unit

The Legal Unit is Commanded by a Captain II. They are assisted by a Senior Administrative Clerk.

Planning Unit

The Planning Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Research Unit

The Research Unit Consists of three Fire Inspectors.

Industrial & Commercial Section

Industrial & Commercial Unit is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander). They are assisted by an Administrative Clerk.

Central Industrial Unit

Central Industrial Unit is Commanded by a Captain I. They are assisted by an Administrative Clerk.

Harbor Industrial Unit

Harbor Industrial Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

High-Rise Unit

High-Rise Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Valley Industrial Unit

Valley Industrial Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

West Industrial Unit

West Industrial Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Cannabis Unit

Cannabis Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Brush Clearance Unit

Brush Clearance Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Public Safety Section

Public Safety Section is Commanded by a Battalion Chief (Section Commander). They are assisted by a Senior Administrative Clerk.

Public Assemblage Unit

Public Assemblage Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Film Unit

Film Unit is Commanded by a Captain I. They are assisted by a Senior Administrative Clerk.

Schools & Churches & Institutions Unit

Schools & churches & institutions unit is Commanded by a Captain I. Assisted by an Administrative Clerk.

Valley Public Safety Unit

Valley public safety unit is Commanded by a Captain II.

CUPA Section

CUPA is Commanded by the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Manager.

Environmental Unit - Underground Storage Tank & HazMat

Environmental unit-underground storage tank & HazMat is Commanded by a Captain II.

Technical Support Unit

Technical support unit is Commanded by a Supervising Hazmat Specialist. It Also consists of a Hazmat Specialist, Fire Inspector II, Industrial Hygienist, Engineering Geologist Associate IV and Environmental Technician.

Plan Check Unit

Plan check unit Consists of two Risk Management Plan Specialists and one Fire Inspector II.

Data Management Unit

Data Management Unit is Commanded by a Principal Clerk. They are assisted by two Accounting Clerks.

Fire Development Services Section

Fire Development Services Section is Commanded by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer. Assisted by one Office Services Assistant, one Management Analyst and one Accounting Clerk.

Fire Life Safety Plan Check Unit

Fire Life Safety Plan Check Unit Consists of one Fire Protection Engineer.

Fire Life Safety Field Inspection Unit

Fire Life Safety Field Inspection Unit is Commanded by one Captain II. They are assisted by one Administrative Clerk.

Municipal Services Unit

The Municipal Services Unit is Commanded by a Captain I. They are assisted by one Administrative Clerk.

Hydrants and Access Unit

Hydrants and Access Unit is Commanded by a Captain I.

Information Technology Bureau

The Information Technology Bureau is Commanded by the Chief Information Officer.

Infrastructure and Operations Division

Infrastructure and Help Desk Support Section

Commanded by a Senior Systems Analyst II. It Also consists of two Systems Programmer IIs and two System Analyst Is.

Helpdesk and Technical Support

Helpdesk and Technical Support is Commanded by a Senior Systems Analyst II. It Also consists of three Systems Analyst IIs and two Administrative Clerks.

Software Applications Support Section

Software Applications Support Section Consists of two Senior Systems Analyst IIs, one Programmer Analyst V, one Programmer Analyst IV, one Programmer Analyst III and one Systems Analyst II.

GIS Unit

GIS is Commanded by a Senior Systems Analyst I. It Also consists of two GIS Supervisor Is and four GIS Specialists.

Enterprise Records Section

Enterprise Records Section is Commanded by a Senior Systems Analyst II. It Also consists of three Programmer Analyst IIIs.

Network Staffing Support Section

Network Staffing Support Unit is Commanded by a Senior Systems Analyst II.

Development Operations Division

Development Operations Division is Commanded an Information System Manager II.

Fire Communications Dispatch Support Section (FCDSS)

FCDSS is Commanded by a Battalion Chief and assisted by one Senior Management Analyst I and one Secretary.

Technical Control

Technical Control is Commanded by a Communications Electrician Supervisor.

Fire Communications Unit

Fire Communications Unit is Commanded by a Captain I. It Also consists of one Communications Electrician.

Telephone Coordinator

Firefighter III

Fire Communications Technician Support Unit

Fire Communications Technician Support Unit is Commanded by a Captain I. Also consists of one Senior Communications Electrician. Organization structure obtained via LAFD Administrative Roster September 2022.

Rank Structure

Title	Explanation
Fire Chief	General Manager of the department. Highest ranking uniformed employee.
Chief Deputy	Two positions - Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations and Chief Deputy of Administrative Operations.
Deputy Chief	Seven positions. Bureau Commander.
Assistant Chief	Seventeen positions. Assignment varies.
Battalion Chief	Sixty Seven positions. Assignment varies.
Captain II	Generally is the Station Commander of a Task Force station.
Captain I	Company Commander of a 4-man Engine Company.
Apparatus Operator	Drives Truck Companies.
Engineer	Drives Engine Companies and manages the pump panel.
Firefighter III	Firefighter
Firefighter II	Probationary Firefighter
Firefighter I	Academy Recruit

Types of apparatus

The department utilizes a wide array of apparatus and equipment. These are most but not all of the apparatus.

Triple combination engines

 

LAFD Engine Co. 11 responding to an emergency call.

The triple combination fire engine or “triple” (as it is commonly called) is the most common type of firefighting apparatus in Los Angeles. The term “triple combination” refers to the apparatus having three components; water tank, high capacity water pump, and hose. The triple can be found as a one-piece engine company or as two engines assigned to a Task Force station. The “triples” used by the LAFD have a direct drive, dual centrifuge main pump rated at 1,500 GPM at 150 psi with a 10-foot lift through a 6-inch suction. These apparatus carry a combination of all of the following sizes of hose; 4″, 21⁄2″, 1 3/4″, 1 1/2″ and 1″. The standard hose load is 750' of 4", 750' of 2 1/2" with a 325GPM nozzle, 400' of 1 3/4" with a 200 GPM nozzle, 400' of 1 1/2" with a 125 GPM nozzle and 500' of 1" with a dual gallonage 10/40 GPM nozzle. The water tank carrying capacity of all LAFD engines is 500 gallons. All frontline engines are equipped with a 30-gallon Class A foam injection system with the exception of Engine 51 at LAX that carries Class B foam in the onboard system. These apparatus are staffed by four members, including a captain who is the company commander, an engineer responsible for driving, maintaining and operating the pump, and two firefighters. A number of triples in the LAFD are also paramedic assessment companies – meaning they include a firefighter/paramedic as part of the crew. All engines are equipped with fire suppression gear as well as basic rescue equipment and emergency medical services equipment.

Light Forces and Task Forces

 

LAFD on the scene of a Major Emergency Structure Fire

The LAFD uses the concept of Light Forces and Task Forces which can be considered one "Resource", although comprising more than one unit or company.^[20]

A Light Force is composed of a Pump Engine (200 Series, for example Engine 201 or Engine 301 for 100 stations) and a Ladder Truck.^[21] Light forces will almost always respond together as one unit or resource.^[20]

A Task Force is simply a Light Force coupled with an Engine. An Engine Company is considered a single unit or "resource" when responding to incidents on its own.^[21] A Task Force usually responds to larger incidents, such as structural fires, and is made up of an Engine, a 200 Series Engine (Pump), and a Truck, all operating together. While a standard Engine is always staffed with a full crew, a 200 Series Engine (Pump)is only staffed by a driver (and one other firefighter if responding as part of a Light Force). The purpose of the 200 Series Engine (Pump) is to provide support and equipment to the Truck in a Light Force, and either the Truck Company or the Engine Company in a Task Force.^[20]

Rescue Ambulances

 

Rescue Ambulance 11 responding to a call near MacArthur Park

Rescue Ambulances (RAs), often called 'rescues' for short, can be considered either Paramedic/advanced life support (ALS), or Emergency Medical Technician/basic life support (BLS) units. Ambulances number 1-112 are frontline Advanced Life Support Units staffed by 2 firefighter / paramedics, while those in the 200 series are Advanced Life Support reserve units.^[22] Ambulances in the 800s & 900s are Basic Life Support Units staffed by 2 firefighter EMTs, with 900-series units assigned to Stations identified numerically over 100.^[22] Rescue Ambulances have Cardiac Defibrillators and Monitors, Cardiac Drugs, Intubation and Airway supplies and other equipment for Emergency Medical Responses.

Helicopters

 

LAFD Bell 412 (retired)

The Air Operations Section (AIROPS)^[23] of the LAFD operates out of Fire Station 114 at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). The helicopter fleet consists of five Medium Duty helicopters and two Light Duty helicopters, making the Department capable of handling brush fire suppression, air ambulance transport, high rise fire response, and hoist rescues.^[24]

FIRE 1, FIRE 2, FIRE 3, FIRE 4, and FIRE 5 are all AgustaWestland AW139s.^{[25][26][27][28][29]} FIRE 6 and FIRE 7 are both Bell 206 B-III Jet Rangers.^[30] The department previously operated Bell 205 and Bell 412 types, the last of which was retired in 2017 to make way for the newer AW139s.^[31]

Fireboats

Further information: Warner L. Lawrence

 

LAFD Fireboat 2, the Warner Lawrence

The Port of Los Angeles is under the jurisdiction of the LAFD which operates 5 fireboats to provide fire protection for ships and dockside structures.^[32] Fireboat 1, Fireboat 3 and Fireboat 5 are identical 39-foot (12 m) long aluminum fireboats capable of a top speed of 29 knots (33 mph; 54 km/h) while fully loaded.^[33] They are equipped with a 2,400 US gal/min (9,100 L/min) pump and a 1,000 US gal/min (3,800 L/min) deluge gun.^[33] They also have a 50-US-gallon (190 L) firefighting foam capacity.

Fireboat 4, also known as the Bethel F. Gifford, was commissioned in 1962 and is the oldest of the fleet. It is capable of pumping water at 9,000 US gal/min (34,000 L/min) and carries 550 US gallons (2,082 L) of foam solution for petrochemical fires.^[34] It is equipped with jet-stream nozzles to allow for increased maneuverability.^[34]

The newest and most technologically advanced of the fireboats is the 105-foot (32 m) long Fireboat 2, also known as the Warner Lawrence, which has the capability to pump up to 38,000 US gallons per minute (140,000 L/min) up to 400 feet (120 m) in the air.^[35] Boat 2 also has an onboard area for treatment and care of rescued persons.^[36]

USAR Task Force 1

Main article: Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 1

The Los Angeles Fire Department is the founding member of one of California's eight FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces.^[37] California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) is available to respond to natural or man-made disasters around the country and world and assist with search and rescue, medical support, damage assessment and communications.^[38]

Stations and apparatus

 

Engine 59 at the scene of a structure fire

 

LAFD Firefighters battling a house fire

The LAFD is divided into four operational Bureaus: Operations Central Bureau (OCB), Operations West Bureau (OWB), Operations South Bureau (OSB); formerly known as 'South Division', and Operations Valley Bureau (OVB); formerly known as 'North Division'. Each Bureau is commanded by a Deputy Chief, who holds the title of 'Bureau Commander'. Each Bureau also has an Assistant Chief who serves as the 'Assistant Bureau Commander'. To replicate the former North and South Division, Operations Central Bureau (OCB) and Operations Valley Bureau (OVB) also have three additional Assistant Chiefs who work 24-hour platoon duty. These Assistant Chiefs staff marked Dodge RAM SUVs and respond to major incidents - Command 22 for Operations Central Bureau (OCB) and Command 42 of Operations Valley Bureau (OVB).

• Operations Central Bureau compromises of 3 battalions and 22 Fire Stations. Battalion 1 (8 Fire Stations), Battalion 2 (8 Fire Stations) and Battalion 11 (6 Fire Stations). Operations Central Bureau headquarters are located at Fire Station 3 located in Civic Center and Bunker Hill.
• Operations West Bureau compromises of 3 battalions and 21 Fire Stations. Battalion 4 (7 Fire Stations), Battalion 5 (7 Fire Stations) and Battalion 9 (7 Fire Stations). Operations West Bureau headquarters are located at Fire Station 82 located in Hollywood
• Operations South Bureau compromises 3 battalions and 25 Fire Stations. Battalion 6 (11 Fire Stations), Battalion 13 (8 Fire Stations), Battalion 18 (6 Fire Stations). Operations South Bureau headquarters is located at the San Pedro Municipal Building (638 South Beacon Street, Suite 374).^[39]
• Operations Valley Bureau compromises of 4 battalions and 31 Fire Stations. Battalion 10 (9 Fire Stations), Battalion 12 (7 Fire Stations), Battalion 14 (7 Fire Stations) and Battalion 15 (8 Fire Stations). Operations Valley Bureau headquarters is temporarily located at Fire Station 83 located in Encino.

Each of the four operational Bureaus house a number of battalions. These battalions are staffed by uniformed personnel who rotate on a 24-hour platoon duty. Each battalion is commanded by a Battalion Chief, who responds to major incidents within their battalion, usually 20-30 square miles in size. They have the responsibility of commanding these scenes as the Incident Commander (IC). Battalion Chiefs typically respond to these incidents with a Firefighter/Specialist, who holds the title of Emergency Incident Technician (EIT). EITs drive the Dodge RAM SUV to the scenes and act as an assistant to the Battalion Chief.

Note that stations with a truck and a 200 series engine (pump) will usually respond the two apparatus together as a lightforce. So, for example, Truck 1 and Engine 201 will often respond together as Light Force 1.^[21] The only full time exception is Fire Station 9 where Engine 209 is fully staffed. Truck 9 responds as a single company when appropriate. During "Augmented Staffing" (red-flag brush fire weather, or other increased threat days) the 200 series engines can be fully staffed as a 4-member Engine Company. Each company can then either be dispatched individually or as a "Task Force".

400 series Engines are ready reserve apparatus. These apparatus are full loaded with equipment and hose. They are used either for short term relief IE when a frontline apparatus is shut down for repair or maintenance. 400 series Engines are also staffed as needed during "High Hazard" days or other augmented staffing times.

The LAFD has six Type 3 wildland Engines. Five are property of the State of California OES but are staffed as needed and maintained by the LAFD. Together these 5 Engines form Strike Team 1880C.^[40] Engine 482C is housed at Fire Station 82 and is a ready reserve Type 3 wildland Engine.

Command Assignment List

CAD Designation	Radio Designation	Assignment	Rank
FC1	"Fire Chief"	Fire Chief
CM1	"Command 1"	Commander, Administrative Operations	Chief Deputy
CM2	"Command 2"	Commander, Emergency Operations	Chief Deputy
CM4	"Command 4"	Commander, Training and Support Bureau	Deputy Chief
CM5	"Command 5"	Bureau Commander, Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bureau	Deputy Chief
FA1	"Fire Administrator"	Bureau Commander, Administrative Services Bureau	Fire Administrator
MD1	"Medical Director"	Bureau Commander, Emergency Medical Services Bureau	Medical Director
Operations Central Bureau
CM21	"Command 21"	Bureau Commander, Operations Central Bureau	Deputy Chief
CM22	"Command 22"	Assistant Bureau Commander, Operations Central Bureau (24-hour Platoon Duty)	Assistant Chief
TO24	"Training 24"	Training Support Specialist, Operations Central Bureau	Captain II
EM25	"EMS 25"	EMS/Community Resilience Officer, Operations Central Bureau	Captain I/Paramedic
Operations South Bureau
CM31	"Command 31"	Bureau Commander, Operations South Bureau	Deputy Chief
CM32	"Command 32"	Assistant Bureau Commander, Operations South Bureau	Assistant Chief
TO34	"Training 34"	Training Support Specialist, Operations South Bureau	Captain II
EM35	"EMS 35"	EMS/Community Resilience Officer, Operations South Bureau	Captain I/Paramedic
Operations Valley Bureau
CM41	"Command 41"	Bureau Commander, Operations Valley Bureau	Deputy Chief
CM42	"Command 42"	Assistant Bureau Commander, Operations Valley Bureau (24-hour Platoon Duty)	Assistant Chief
TO44	"Training 44"	Training Support Specialist, Operations Valley Bureau	Captain II
EM45	"EMS 45"	EMS/Community Resilience Officer, Operations Valley Bureau	Captain I/Paramedic
Operations West Bureau
CM51	"Command 51"	Bureau Commander, Operations West Bureau	Deputy Chief
CM52	"Command 52"	Assistant Bureau Commander, Operations West Bureau	Assistant Chief
CM53	"Command 53"	Los Angeles World Airports	Assistant Chief
TO54	"Training 54"	Training Support Specialist, Operations West Bureau	Captain II
EM55	"EMS 55"	EMS/Community Resilience Officer, Operations West Bureau	Captain I/Paramedic

CAD Designation List

Letter	Unit Type
AF	Aircraft Rescue Firefighting "ARFF"
AO	Air Operations CAD Placeholder
AP	Advanced Provider
AR	Arson Investigator, Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section
BC	Battalion Chief
BP	Brush Patrol
BT	Fireboat
CE	Community Emergency Response Team "CERT"
CL	Community Liaison Officer
CM	Command Officer (Assistant Chief+)
CR	Crash/Fire Rescue
CS	Communications Support
CT	Cycle Team
CW	Volunteer Type II Handcrew
DT	Dozer Tender
DZ	Dozer
E	Engine
EA	Emergency Air
EM	EMS Captain
F	Aircraft Foam
FC	Fire Chief
FP	Inspector, Fire Prevention & Public Safety Bureau
FR	Fast Response
H0A-HOF	Air Operations CAD Placeholder
H	Helicopter
HA	Helicopter MDT
HE	Heavy Equipment
HH	Hose Hauler
HL	Homeland Security Division
HM	Hazmat Tender
HR	Heavy Rescue
HT	Helicopter Tender
HU	Hydration Unit
JT	Joint Hazard Assessment Team "JHAT"
LD	Loader / Dozer Team
PB	Plug Buggy
PH	Photographer
PI	Public Information Officer, Community Service Unit
RA	Rescue Ambulance
RH	Rescue Helicopter
RI	Radio Interoperability
RM	Risk Management Section
RS	Robotic Solution
RT	Rehab Tender
SC	Swift Water Coordinator
SQ	Hazardous Materials Squad
SW	Swift Water Rescue
T	Truck
TL	Supervisor, Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit
TM	Tactical Medic, Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit
TP	Transport
TV	Therapeutic Van
UA	Unmanned Aerial (Drone)
UR	Urban Search and Rescue
WT	Water Tender

Station List

Fire Station	Neighborhood(s)	Engine Company	Light Force or Truck Company	EMS Unit	Command Unit	Special Unit	Bureau	Battalion
1	Lincoln Heights	Engine 1	Light Force 1	Rescue Ambulance 1 Rescue Ambulance 801			Central Bureau	2
2	Boyle Heights	Engine 2	Light Force 2	Rescue Ambulance 2			Central Bureau	1
3	Civic Center & Bunker Hill	Engine 3	Light Force 3	Rescue Ambulance 3 Rescue Ambulance 803	Command Post 3 Command 22 Command 722 (Reserve) EMS 25	USAR 3 USAR Tender 3 Heavy Rescue 3 Heavy Rescue 703 (Reserve) Emergency Light Unit 3 Medical Supply Trailer 3	Central Bureau	1
4	Chinatown	Engine 4		Rescue Ambulance 4 Rescue Ambulance 804	Command Post 2 Battalion Chief 1 EMS 1	Therapeutic Van 4	Central Bureau	1
5	Westchester	Engine 5	Light Force 5	Rescue Ambulance 5	Battalion Chief 4 EMS 4	USAR 5 USAR Tender 5 Swift Water Rescue 5	West Bureau	4
6	Angeleno Heights	Engine 6		Rescue Ambulance 6 Rescue Ambulance 806			Central Bureau	11
7	Arleta	Engine 7		Rescue Ambulance 7 Advanced Provider 7			Valley Bureau	12
8	Porter Ranch	Engine 8				Brush Patrol 8	Valley Bureau	15
9	Skid Row	Engine 9 Engine 209	Truck 9	Rescue Ambulance 9 Rescue Ambulance 209 Rescue Ambulance 809 Rescue Ambulance 900 (night time)		Fast Response 9	Central Bureau	1
10	Convention Center	Engine 10	Light Force 10	Rescue Ambulance 10 Rescue Ambulance 810			Central Bureau	1
11	Westlake & MacArthur Park	Engine 11	Light Force 11	Rescue Ambulance 11 Rescue Ambulance 811			Central Bureau	11
12	Highland Park	Engine 12	Light Force 12	Rescue Ambulance 12			Central Bureau	2
13	Pico-Union	Engine 13		Rescue Ambulance 13 Rescue Ambulance 813	Battalion Chief 11 EMS 11		Central Bureau	11
14	Newton	Engine 14		Rescue Ambulance 14 Rescue Ambulance 814			Central Bureau	1
15	USC/Exposition Park	Engine 15	Light Force 15	Rescue Ambulance 15 Rescue Ambulance 815 Alternate Destination 15			South Bureau	13
16	South El Sereno	Engine 16					Central Bureau	2
17	Industrial Eastside	Engine 17		Rescue Ambulance 17		Foam Tender 17 Engine 417	Central Bureau	1
18	Knollwood	Engine 18		Rescue Ambulance 18			Valley Bureau	15
19	Brentwood	Engine 19		Rescue Ambulance 19		Brush Patrol 19	West Bureau	9
20	Echo Park	Engine 20	Light Force 20	Rescue Ambulance 20			Central Bureau	11
21	South Los Angeles	Engine 21	Light Force 21	Rescue Ambulance 21		Squad 21 OES Hazmat 12	South Bureau	13
23	Palisades Highlands	Engine 23		Rescue Ambulance 23		Brush Patrol 23	West Bureau	9
24	Sunland	Engine 24				Battalion Chief 712	Valley Bureau	12
25	Boyle Heights	Engine 25		Rescue Ambulance 25			Central Bureau	1
26	West Adams	Engine 26	Light Force 26	Rescue Ambulance 26 Rescue Ambulance 826			Central Bureau	11
27	Hollywood	Engine 27	Light Force 27	Rescue Ambulance 27 Rescue Ambulance 827 Rescue Ambulance 927(spare?)	Battalion Chief 5	USAR 27	West Bureau	5
28	Porter Ranch	Engine 28		Rescue Ambulance 828		Brush Patrol 28 Plug Buggy 28	Valley Bureau	15
29	Hancock Park	Engine 29	Light Force 29	Rescue Ambulance 29 Rescue Ambulance 829		Plug Buggy 29	Central Bureau	11
33	South Central	Engine 33	Light Force 33	Rescue Ambulance 33 Rescue Ambulance 833	Battalion Chief 13	Plug Buggy 33	South Bureau	13
34	Crenshaw & Leimert Park	Engine 34		Rescue Ambulance 34 Rescue Ambulance 834		Medical Supply Trailer 34	South Bureau	18
35	Los Feliz	Engine 35	Light Force 35	Rescue Ambulance 35 Rescue Ambulance 835		OES Engine 8136C Plug Buggy 35	West Bureau	5
36	San Pedro	Engine 36		Rescue Ambulance 36	EMS 6	Foam Tender 36	South Bureau	6
37	Westwood UCLA	Engine 37	Light Force 37	Rescue Ambulance 37 Rescue Ambulance 837	Battalion Chief 9		West Bureau	9
38	Wilmington	Engine 38	Light Force 38	Rescue Ambulance 38			South Bureau	6
39	Van Nuys	Engine 39	Light Force 39	Rescue Ambulance 39 Rescue Ambulance 839	Battalion Chief 10		Valley Bureau	10
40	Terminal Island	Engine 40				Rehab/Air Tender 40 Therapeutic Van 40	South Bureau	6
41	Hollywood Hills	Engine 41		Rescue Ambulance 41		Brush Patrol 41	West Bureau	5
42	Eagle Rock	Engine 42					Central Bureau	2
43	Palms	Engine 43		Rescue Ambulance 43		Engine 443	South Bureau	18
44	Cypress Park	Engine 44		Rescue Ambulance 844	EMS 2	Brush Patrol 44 Swift Water Rescue 44 Casualty Collection Point Trailer	Central Bureau	2
46	Coliseum Area	Engine 46		Rescue Ambulance 46 Rescue Ambulance 246 Rescue Ambulance 846			South Bureau	13
47	El Sereno	Engine 47		Rescue Ambulance 47		Brush Patrol 47 Engine 447	Central Bureau	2
48	San Pedro	Engine 48	Light Force 48	Rescue Ambulance 848		Squad 48	South Bureau	6
49	East Harbor	Engine 49			Battalion Chief 6	Fireboat 3 Fireboat 4	South Bureau	6
50	Atwater Village		Light Force 50	Rescue Ambulance 850		Engine 450	Central Bureau	2
51	LAX	Engine 51		Rescue Ambulance 51		Cycle Team 51 Cycle Team 251	West Bureau	4
52	Hollywood	Engine 52		Rescue Ambulance 52	EMS 5		West Bureau	5
55	Eagle Rock	Engine 55		Rescue Ambulance 55	Battalion Chief 2		Central Bureau	2
56	Silver Lake	Engine 56		Rescue Ambulance 56			West Bureau	5
57	South Central	Engine 57		Rescue Ambulance 57 Rescue Ambulance 257 Rescue Ambulance 857			South Bureau	13
58	Pico-Robertson	Engine 58		Rescue Ambulance 58 Rescue Ambulance 858 Advanced Provider 58		Engine 458 Plug Buggy 58	South Bureau	18
59	West Los Angeles	Engine 59		Rescue Ambulance 59	EMS 9	Rehab/Air Tender 59 Hydration Unit 59 Medical Supply Trailer 59 Therapeutic Van 59	West Bureau	9
60	North Hollywood	Engine 60	Light Force 60	Rescue Ambulance 60 Rescue Ambulance 860	Battalion Chief 14		Valley Bureau	14
61	Fairfax	Engine 61	Light Force 61	Rescue Ambulance 61 Rescue Ambulance 861	EMS 18		South Bureau	18
62	Mar Vista	Engine 62		Rescue Ambulance 62 Rescue Ambulance 862		Engine 462	West Bureau	4
63	Venice	Engine 63	Light Force 63	Rescue Ambulance 63			West Bureau	4
64	South Los Angeles	Engine 64	Light Force 64	Rescue Ambulance 64 Rescue Ambulance 264 Rescue Ambulance 864		Fast Response 64	South Bureau	13
65	Watts	Engine 65		Rescue Ambulance 65 Rescue Ambulance 865 Advanced Provider 65	EMS 13		South Bureau	13
66	South Los Angeles	Engine 66	Light Force 66	Rescue Ambulance 66 Rescue Ambulance 266 Rescue Ambulance 866			South Bureau	13
67	Playa Vista	Engine 67		Rescue Ambulance 867			West Bureau	4
68	Mid-City	Engine 68		Rescue Ambulance 68 Rescue Ambulance 868	Battalion Chief 18		South Bureau	18
69	Pacific Palisades	Engine 69	Light Force 69	Rescue Ambulance 69			West Bureau	9
70	Northridge	Engine 70		Rescue Ambulance 70	Battalion Chief 15 EMS 15		Valley Bureau	15
71	Bel Air	Engine 71		Rescue Ambulance 71			West Bureau	9
72	Canoga Park	Engine 72		Rescue Ambulance 72 Rescue Ambulance 872		Engine 472	Valley Bureau	17
73	Reseda	Engine 73	Light Force 73	Rescue Ambulance 73 Rescue Ambulance 873		Plug Buggy 73	Valley Bureau	17
74	Sunland-Tujunga		Light Force 74	Rescue Ambulance 74 Rescue Ambulance 874		Brush Patrol 74	Valley Bureau	12
75	Mission Hills	Engine 75	Light Force 75	Rescue Ambulance 75 Rescue Ambulance 875		Hazmat Tender 75	Valley Bureau	12
76	Cahuenga Pass	Engine 76		Rescue Ambulance 76			West Bureau	5
77	Sun Valley	Engine 77		Rescue Ambulance 77	EMS 12	Water Tender 77 Engine 474 Support Utility 1 Therapeutic Van 77	Valley Bureau	12
78	Studio City		Light Force 78	Rescue Ambulance 78 Rescue Ambulance 878	EMS 14	Brush Patrol 78	Valley Bureau	14
79	Harbor Gateway	Engine 79		Rescue Ambulance 79			South Bureau	6
80	LAX					ARFF 1 ARFF 2 ARFF 3 ARFF 4 ARFF 5 ARFF 6 ARFF 7 Stair 80	West Bureau	4
81	Panorama City	Engine 81		Rescue Ambulance 81 Rescue Ambulance 881		Engine 481	Valley Bureau	10
82	Hollywood	Engine 82		Rescue Ambulance 82 Rescue Ambulance 882 Advanced Provider 82	Command 51 Command 52 EMS 55	Brush Patrol 82 Engine 482 Engine 482C	West Bureau	5
83	Encino	Engine 83		Rescue Ambulance 83 Rescue Ambulance 883	Command 41 EMS 45	Rehab/Air Tender 83 Brush Patrol 83 Medical Supply Trailer 83	Valley Bureau	10
84	Woodland Hills	Engine 84		Rescue Ambulance 84	Battalion Chief 17 EMS 17	Brush Patrol 84 Crew 3 Engine 473 Plug Buggy 84	Valley Bureau	17
85	Harbor City	Engine 85	Light Force 85	Rescue Ambulance 85 Rescue Ambulance 885		USAR 85	South Bureau	6
86	Toluca Lake	Engine 86		Rescue Ambulance 86		Swift Water Rescue 86	Valley Bureau	14
87	Granada Hills	Engine 87	Light Force 87	Rescue Ambulance 87 Rescue Ambulance 887		Squad 87 Hazmat Tender 87 OES Engine 8137C	Valley Bureau	15
88	Sherman Oaks	Engine 88	Light Force 88	Rescue Ambulance 88	Command 42	Water Tender 88 USAR 88 Swift Water Rescue 88 OES Engine 8140C	Valley Bureau	10
89	North Hollywood	Engine 89	Light Force 89	Rescue Ambulance 89 Rescue Ambulance 889		USAR 89 Engine 289 OES Engine 8139C PB1880C Medical Supply Trailer 89	Valley Bureau	14
90	Van Nuys Airport	Engine 90	Light Force 90	Rescue Ambulance 90 Rescue Ambulance 890		Plug Buggy 90	Valley Bureau	10
91	Sylmar	Engine 91		Rescue Ambulance 91 Rescue Ambulance 891		Fast Response 91	Valley Bureau	12
92	Century City		Light Force 92	Rescue Ambulance 92 Rescue Ambulance 892		Engine 492	West Bureau	9
93	Tarzana	Engine 93	Light Force 93	Rescue Ambulance 93			Valley Bureau	17
94	Crenshaw/Baldwin Hills	Engine 94	Light Force 94	Rescue Ambulance 94 Rescue Ambulance 894		Hazmat Tender 94 Therapeutic Van 94	South Bureau	18
95	LAX	Engine 95	Light Force 95	Rescue Ambulance 95		Squad 95	West Bureau	4
96	Chatsworth		Light Force 96	Rescue Ambulance 96 Rescue Ambulance 896		Engine 496	Valley Bureau	15
97	Laurel Canyon	Engine 97		Rescue Ambulance 97		Hose Hauler 97	Valley Bureau	14
98	Pacoima	Engine 98	Light Force 98	Rescue Ambulance 98 Rescue Ambulance 898	Battalion Chief 12	OES Engine 8138C	Valley Bureau	12
99	Beverly Glen	Engine 99		Rescue Ambulance 99		Brush Patrol 99	Valley Bureau	10
100	Lake Balboa	Engine 100		Rescue Ambulance 100	EMS 10	Foam Tender 100	Valley Bureau	10
101	San Pedro	Engine 101		Rescue Ambulance 101			South Bureau	6
102	Valley Glen	Engine 102		Rescue Ambulance 102			Valley Bureau	14
103	CSU Northridge	Engine 103		Rescue Ambulance 903			Valley Bureau	15
104	Winnetka	Engine 104		Rescue Ambulance 104			Valley Bureau	17
105	Woodland Hills	Engine 105	Light Force 105	Rescue Ambulance 105			Valley Bureau	17
106	West Hills	Engine 106		Rescue Ambulance 106			Valley Bureau	17
107	Chatsworth	Engine 107		Rescue Ambulance 107			Valley Bureau	15
108	Franklin Canyon Park	Engine 108					Valley Bureau	14
109	Encino	Engine 109		Rescue Ambulance 909		Brush Patrol 109	Valley Bureau	10
110	Fort MacArthur					Fireboat 5	South Bureau	6
111	Port of Los Angeles					Fireboat 1	South Bureau	6
112	Port of Los Angeles	Engine 112		Rescue Ambulance 112		Fireboat 2 Foam Tender 112 Medical Supply Trailer 112	South Bureau	6
114	Van Nuys Airport					Crash 114 Foam 114 FIRE 1-6 Helicopter Tender 1 Helicopter Tender 2 Casualty Collection Point Trailer (2)	Valley Bureau	10

In pop culture

The LAFD has been featured in many TV shows and movies. Sometimes the LAFD or LAFD equipment is just seen in the background.

• (1974) Firehouse, starring James Drury
• (1981–1982) Code Red, starring Lorne Greene
• (1995-2000) LAPD: Life On The Beat, the fire department was featured often responding to various emergency calls with the "LAPD".
• (1999) Rescue 77
• (2015) San Andreas
• (2018–present) 9-1-1

See also

•  Los Angeles portal

• Fire Station No. 1
• Engine Company No. 28
• Engine House No. 18 (Los Angeles, California)
• Fire Station No. 14 (Los Angeles, California)
• Fire Station No. 23 (Los Angeles, California)
• Fire Station No. 30, Engine Company No. 30
• Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial
• Louis R. Nowell, fire captain who became a City Council member
• Ralph J. Scott, formerly known as Fireboat #2
• The Stentorians Fire Station No.46
• Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center Los Angeles

References

1. "Budget 2014-2015" (PDF). City of Los Angeles. p. 18. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
2. "Fire Chief". Los Angeles Fire Department.
3. "employees". Los Angeles Fire Department.
4. "Stations & Addresses" (PDF). CERT-LA.
5. "Apparatus". California Firefighters. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
6. "Welcome to the Los Angeles Fire Department". Lafd.org. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
7. "About the LAFD". Los Angeles Fire Department. Retrieved February 20, 2007.
8. "LAFD History". Lafd.org. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
9. "LAFD History". Lafd.org. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
10. "The Origins of the LAFD". Lafd.org. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
11. "The Volunteers, 1871 to 1885". Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
12. "The Era of the Horses 1886 to 1921". Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
13. . Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Archived from the original on September 2, 2006. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
14. Company, Johnson Publishing (January 13, 1955). "Los Angeles Ends Jim Crow Fire Department". Jet. 7 (10). Retrieved August 29, 2011.
15. http://ens.lacity.org/lafd/lafdreportarchv/lafdlafdreport1864112802_06142017.pdf^{[bare URL PDF]}
16. "LAFD administering vaccine sites for those looking for first or second doses". KJ Hiramoto. February 9, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
17. "LAFD administering vaccine sites for those looking for first or second doses". Ben Welsh and Dakota Smith. February 3, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
18. "Kristin Crowley sworn in as LAFD's first openly-gay, female chief". City News Service. March 25, 2022.
19. "Chief of Staff and Executive Bureau Commander". Los Angeles Fire Department Website. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
20. "Apparatus". Los Angeles Fire Department. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
21. "Deployment Plan" (PDF). The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
22. "EMS Resources". Los Angeles Fire Department. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
23. (PDF). LAFD Board of Fire Commissioners. March 14, 2023. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023. Glossary / Air Operations Section (AIROPS)
24. "Air Operations". LAFD.org. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
25. "N301FD". FAA. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
26. "N302FD". FAA. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
27. "N303FD". FAA. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
28. "N301FD". FAA. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
29. "N304FD". FAA. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
30. "N306FD". FAA. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
31. . LAFD.org. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
32. "Fire Stations". Port of Los Angeles. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
33. "Fireboats 1, 3 & 5". Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
34. "Fireboat 4". Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
35. "Fireboat 2". Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
36. "Los Angeles Fire Department New Fireboat Fleet Dedication" (Press release). Los Angeles Fire Department. March 28, 2003. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
37. "Task Force Locations". FEMA. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
38. (PDF). Fire Watch. 2 (3). March 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 31, 2006. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
39. "LAFD OSB HQ Location". Los Angeles Fire Department Subreddit. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
40. "LAFD TAKES DELIVERY OF NEW WILDLAND FIRE ENGINES FROM CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES". December 8, 2015.

External links

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Los Angeles Fire Department.

• Map of all LAFD Fire Stations
• Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive
• Los Angeles Fire Department News & Information Web Log
• LAFD Recruiting

34°3′0″N 118°15′0″W / 34.05000°N 118.25000°W / 34.05000; -118.25000