Our History
The Early Days
In 1943, an unnamed wildfire burned from the Rancho Bernardo/Penasquitos area through Rancho Santa Fe and into Solana Beach and Del Mar. This event occurred just after the significant growth produced by WWII. In 1948, shortly after the fires, The ‘Solana Local Fire Protection District’ submitted for its certificate of existence. This is when the history of the fire protection in Solana Beach began. Elmo Taylor, Solana Beach’s first Fire Chief, supervised 12 volunteers that met on Sunday’s for training. The first fire engine, a 1925 Seagrave, was housed in a fire station across from the original train station.
Prior to 1964, Solana Beach went through 9 Chiefs in 14 years and saw a large amount of turnover at the Firefighter rank. On February 1st , 1964 Chief James Fox (who was the current Chief of the Rancho Santa Fe Protection District) assumed the duty as the Chief of both RSF and The Solana Beach Protection District. Chief Fox was a veteran of the Manchester, England Fire Service and earned experience during the blitz attacks of WWII. Under Chief Fox’s leadership much progress was made in Solana Beach. This led to improvements in training and response capabilities. This time period also led to a significant improvement in fire technologies, including improved response times and water supply in the area.
As of July 25, 1974, the Solana Beach Local Fire District had seven full-time members supplemented by 12-15 volunteers. The full time members worked a 72hr workweek. The volunteers were paid $2 for each drill and $3.50 for each fire they attended.
A formal JPA, a shared administration, was formed between Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe in 1980. Chief Fox retired on January 21 st , 1981. He served as the Rancho Santa Fe Chief, and later Solana Beach, for 24 years.. Solana Beach Firefighters moved to a 56 hour workweek starting in 1984 with 5 member staffing: 1 Captain, 1 Engineer, 2 Firefighters and 1 student per shift.
Solana Beach Incorporated in 1986. In 1987, Solana Beach Firefighters passed a vote of no confidence against the then Fire Chief Peter Fox, who was overseeing both RSF and Solana Beach Fire Departments.
About Us
In 1987 Solana Beach hired Chief Fred Irwin from Phoenix. Fred Irwin would oversee the building of the current Solana Beach Fire Station. Construction began in 1990. The Solana Beach Firefighters officially began operation out of the new station on July 1 st , 1991. The opening of the new fire station saw the return of the ambulance service (which had since become privately run), out of the Solana Beach fire station. Chief Irwin would oversee the purchase of new apparatus, including a telesquirt with an additional move to six member staffing.
Solana Beach Fire Department: Today
Your local Solana Beach Firefighters have come a long way. Currently working out of Solana Beach Fire Station 1, the department operates 4 units 24/7. This includes 1 ALS Ladder Truck, 1 ALS Engine, 1 ALS Ambulance (Operated by AMR), and an AMR Supervisor Unit. Solana Beach Firefighters now share responsibilities for the coastal CSA-17 area with Encinitas and Del Mar Fire Departments. The three departments now share resources under a local cooperative efforts agreement.
Currently the Solana Beach Firefighters host a variety of charity events, including the Annual Guns & Hoses Golf Tournament, The Firefighter Pancake Breakfast, and much more. Our Firefighters are working hard to protect the community, and are dedicated to ensuring the community is safe. If you happen to see any of our firefighters, be sure to say hello!