Your next call could be Carlsbad. 

Discover what it means to serve with the Carlsbad Fire Department. Our recruitment video takes you inside the department to meet our people and experience the training, teamwork and commitment that make Carlsbad Fire a great place to build your career.

Now hiring entry-level and lateral Paramedic Firefighters.

Apply by 5 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026.

Follow @CarlsbadFireDepartment on Instagram for recruitment updates and a behind-the-scenes look at life at Carlsbad Fire.

Latest news 

About

The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is an all-risk, all-threat first responder agency safeguarding lives, property and the environment through 24-hour fire, rescue and emergency medical services.

The Fire Department is divided into two bureaus:

Emergency Operations is the largest bureau within the department and is responsible for fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical service (EMS) delivery, lifeguard service/marine safety and disaster mitigation.

The Community Risk Reduction Bureau is divided into two sections:

To learn more about our programs and services, click the icons below. 

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EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS

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COMMUNITY
RISK REDUCTION

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
& RESILIENCE

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LIFEGUARD
SERVICE

Mission, Motto and Values 

Enhance the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad through excellence in emergency and support services.

Our Motto

Serving with kindness.

Our Values

  • Professionalism - Honoring the Carlsbad Fire Department’s Oath of Office, Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
  • Service - Dedicated and compassionate response to the people we serve and each other.
  • Integrity - A respectful and unified team dedicated to both team cohesion and strong moral principles at all times.

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Recent news

New illegal fireworks ordinance adopted

Curbing illegal fireworks
Post Date:04/16/2026 4:00 PM

The City of Carlsbad is strengthening enforcement against the use of illegal fireworks, under an ordinance the City Council adopted at its meeting Tuesday.  

Although fireworks are already illegal in San Diego County, they continue to impact neighborhoods across Carlsbad. Over the past two years, the city has received approximately 130 fireworks-related calls for service, many tied to residential areas and largely during peak holiday periods, such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July. These incidents increase the risk of fires and injuries and place added demand on police and fire resources. 

Under the new ordinance, the Carlsbad Police, Fire and Code Enforcement departments will have the ability to work together to respond to complaints. Key elements include: 

  • Holding property owners and renters responsible for illegal fireworks used on or near their property, even if the fireworks are set off by guests or others at a gathering. 
  • Anyone in control of the property or organizing a gathering where illegal fireworks are used could be cited and fined.  
  • Establishing fines of $1,000 per violation, up to $10,000 per day for those cited. 

These changes are intended to improve public safety, reduce repeat violations and provide clearer, more effective enforcement tools.  

Now that the ordinance has been adopted, it will officially take effect on May 14, 2026, 30 days after adoption. Before enforcement begins, the city will conduct community outreach and education to increase awareness of the new rules.  

Learn more about the ordinance in the staff report.  

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