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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

Felix smoke alarm

 

COMMUNITY
RISK REDUCTION

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
& RESILIENCE

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LIFEGUARD
SERVICE

 

Mission, Motto and Values 

Our Mission

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.

What's new? 

Empty headingFire Department improvements

Recent news

Earthquake preparedness

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near Julian on Monday, April 14, that was felt across San Diego County.
Post Date:04/14/2025 12:29 PM

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near Julian on Monday, April 14, that was felt across San Diego County.  

Aftershocks can be expected, and now is a good time to prepare.  

Secure items around your home  

  • Secure any items that might fall down or be thrown during earthquakes.  

Form a family emergency plan 
Talk with your family, including your kids, about what to do if an emergency strikes. Some topics to cover are:  

  • How will we get emergency alerts and warnings?  

  • How will we get to safe locations during an emergency?  

  • Where will we meet after an emergency and how will we get there? 

  • How will we get in touch if mobile device, internet or landline doesn’t work? 

  • How will we let loved ones know we are safe? 

  • What is our plan for our pets? 

Assemble an emergency supply kit 
Plan to be self-sufficient for 72 to 96 hours. Prepare a complete emergency supply kit to ensure you have what you will need. Some items to include are: 

  • A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water, as well as a way to open it 

  • An “important stuff” list, including contact information for family and service providers, such as insurance companies 

  • A first aid kit that includes needed medications 

  • One change of clothes/shoes per person 

  • Flashlights with extra batteries 

If you assembled your emergency supply kit last year, check it and bring it up to date.  

Stay informed
Register to receive emergency alerts to your cell phone at Alert San Diego. You can also download the Genasys Protect app to subscribe to alerts related to evacuations and other emergency instructions based on specific zones or neighborhoods.  

What to do during an earthquake 
In most situations, if you feel shaking or get an earthquake alert, here’s what you should do:  

  • Drop onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling objects. 

  • Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. 

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. 

  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.  

  • Stay on your knees to protect vital organs.  

  • Hold on until the shaking stops.  

  • Hold onto your shelter with one hand and be ready to move with it if it shifts.  

More resources are available on the city’s emergency preparedness webpage with a list of potential hazards.  

If you're taking the SPRINTER or COASTER, check North County Transit District's webpage for precautions and impacts.

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