Fontana’s dedication to the improvement of services for residents and businesses has led to many accomplishments. Recently, the City Council announced one of the greatest successes towards the enhancement of emergency services by welcoming our newest program, the Fontana Fire Protection District. With the newly appointed staff already taking shape, Council is certain residents will immediately recognize the significance of this project.

In July 2005, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors initiated the reorganization of its fire operations. Following this action, the County filed an application with the San Bernardino Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to review and consider the reorganization of the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The purpose of the proposed fire reorganization was to achieve the most effective and efficient delivery of services for fire protection, emergency response, paramedic, ambulance and disaster preparedness to residents and landowners.

In response to the County Board’s plan to reorganize fire protection services, the Fontana City Council initiated and subsequently filed with San Bernardino LAFCO an alternative proposal for the provision of fire protection. The City proposed the creation of a subsidiary district and appointment of the City Council as the governing body of the new district. The service boundary includes Fontana’s corporate limits and the County areas within the City’s Sphere of Influence. It has been a goal of the City to obtain local control for fire protection and to comprehensively serve the citizens and residents both within the City limits and the City’s Sphere of Influence.

Impact to Residents

Residents will see no increase in their property taxes. The utility users’ tax on residential property was eliminated in June 2004. The utility users’ tax on commercial property will end in June 2009. One of the benefits of forming the Fontana Fire Protection District (FFPD) is that property tax revenues will remain local, instead of being diverted to other areas of the county. The City will be able to utilize that revenue to make needed improvements to fire stations and equipment. If recently annexed to the City, residents will see no increase in their property tax rate.

Fire District Services

As of July 1, 2008, the newly formed Fontana Fire Protection District becomes a reality. The services that were once provided by the Central Valley Fire Protection District will be provided by the FFPD. Residents will continue to call 911 for fire and paramedic service. The primary difference residents will notice is the fire equipment will also display the fire district’s new logo.

What’s on the horizon for Fontana FPD?

Fire Station 71 is currently in the design phase and is scheduled for construction in Fiscal Year 2009/2010. The fire station at 16980 Arrow Boulevard will be enlarged to accommodate additional staff and equipment. As part of the expansion, the “historic” portion of the building that now on site will be preserved.

Fire Station 80 is proposed at 13305 San Bernardino Avenue in the unincorporated County area that is westerly of the City’s limits. This new fire station is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in June 2008 and should be fully staffed by July 2009. Fire Station 80 is a joint project between the County Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and the County Fire Department. The ownership of the station will be turned over to the Fontana FPD upon completion.

In addition, as part of the formation of the Fontana FPD, the relocation of County Fire plan check and inspection staff to the City’s Development Services Organization will occur almost simultaneously. The plan check and inspection staff will be housed at City Hall at 8353 Sierra Avenue in downtown Fontana. The additional staff will assist in streamlining the City’s plan check and inspection process by creating a “one-stop shop”.

For additional information about the Fontana Fire Protection District, please contact Chief Terry Welsh at (909) 829-4441.