As is the case in the establishment of many fire departments throughout the United States, the Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire Department was a result of a major fire in 1921. The merchants of the community recognized there was an urgent need to provide better fire protection for the city. Since 1921, the Sierra Madre Fire Department has provided the highest quality of fire and EMS service possible to the city. Throughout the last 89 years, the members of the Department have dedicated their time and energy to the service of the community, each one volunteering upwards of 2,500 hours per year during their week, weekends, holidays, and vacations. The men and women of the Sierra Madre Fire Department come from a wide variety of backgrounds including local business executives, bankers, consultants, architects, health care providers, teachers, clergy, utility company engineers, electricians, and general contractors. All 54 members of the Department’s Paramedics rotate on a 24 hour shift schedule with the Department’s Rescue Ambulance being “first in” on all EMS calls supported by an engine with EMT’s.

During 2009, the department responded to more than 300 fire and non-medical related calls and more than 550 rescue calls through the Verdugo Fire Communications Center. The Department responds to all first alarm brush assignments in the San Gabriel Mountains above the City of Sierra Madre, in conjunction with the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Pasadena, the County of Los Angeles, and the United States Forest Service.

In April 2008, Sierra Madre experienced a brush fire above the City, in an area that had not burned in over 30 years, which burned approximately 584 acres and lasted from April 26, 2008 through May 2, 2008. Over 1000 firefighters from throughout the State of California assisted the Sierra Madre Fire Department in extinguishing this blaze. 2008 also saw the department respond to four major structure fires in the city without a single loss of life or injury. As well, in the later part of May the Department mitigated floods and mud flow problems as a result of the Santa Anita Brush fire of the prior month. In 2009, the Department responded the OES Engine to three Strike Team assignments, including the devastating Station Fire which started in La Canada, CA.

Public Education:
The majority of the public education activities are directed towards the children of the community. Many programs are provided to the seven public and private schools in Sierra Madre, along with numerous presentations at the fire station by members of the Prevention Bureau and Department members.

As part of National Fire Prevention Month, the Department hosts an annual Open House at the Fire Station in the month of October. This event includes representatives from neighboring fire departments, the Sierra Madre Police Department, utility companies, and vendors in fire prevention products and services.

In addition, during the year the Department supports area baseball, softball, and soccer teams; has an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children of Sierra Madre; has an annual Pancake Breakfast at the fire station; provides EMS services for the annual Mount Wilson Trail Race; participates in the annual 4th of July Parade; escorts the city’s children in the annual Halloween Costume Parade; provides gift baskets to the area needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas; sponsors an annual Christmas Dance at a local high school; and donates Christmas stockings to area children, complete with a visit from Santa Claus.