Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department

Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department Welcome to the Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department “California”page!! This is a place to get information about what we’re doing in and around Petrolia!

Have any questions feel free to reach out!!

Today, while Petrolia Fire Engine 6636 was out training on rope rescue and technical rescue skills, our crew was dispatc...
08/14/2026

Today, while Petrolia Fire Engine 6636 was out training on rope rescue and technical rescue skills, our crew was dispatched to a sick person in Petrolia.

Upon arrival, Petrolia Fire Rescue 6674 was already on scene. Engine 6636 assumed command and took over patient care. After assessing and stabilizing the patient, our crew loaded them into Rescue 6674 and transported them to a landing zone in downtown Petrolia to meet CAL FIRE Copter 604.

When we arrived at the landing zone, Copter 604 was already on the ground and waiting. The patient was unloaded from Rescue 6674, transferred to the helicopter, and Copter 604 lifted off.

As the helicopter was departing, City Ambulance was arriving in downtown Petrolia. Copter 604 circled back and landed again, allowing a City Ambulance paramedic to board the helicopter and accompany the patient during transport to the hospital.

Once the patient and paramedic were safely aboard, Copter 604 departed for the hospital. All remaining resources were cleared and returned to their respective locations.

In a rural and remote community like ours, getting someone to a higher level of medical care can take coordination between ground crews, ambulances, fire departments, and aircraft. Today was a great example of everyone working together and adapting quickly to get the patient where they needed to go.

Thank you to CAL FIRE Copter 604 and City Ambulance for another great coordinated response, and to our Petrolia Fire crews who went from technical rescue training straight into patient care. 🚒🚑🚁

Since August 3rd, Petrolia Fire and Honeydew Fire have been working together on ABH move up and cover assignments at CAL...
08/14/2026

Since August 3rd, Petrolia Fire and Honeydew Fire have been working together on ABH move up and cover assignments at CAL FIRE’s Mattole Station, and it has been an incredible opportunity for both departments. 🚒🔥

For Petrolia Fire, this is a first. Many of our firefighters have had the chance to participate, gaining valuable experience, learning new skills, and building even stronger relationships with the departments we rely on through mutual aid. ❤️

This is also part of something much bigger happening across Southern Humboldt. With departments joining together through the Southern Humboldt Joint Powers Agreement, volunteer firefighters throughout our area are stepping into opportunities that weren’t always available to small rural departments. Strike teams, task forces, ABH coverage, OES assignments, and other statewide resources are becoming part of what we can contribute. 🚒💪

That is a huge shift for volunteer fire in Southern Humboldt. 🔥

Our departments are not only protecting our own communities. Our firefighters are gaining the training and experience to travel throughout California and help protect residents during fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents where additional resources are needed. 🌲🚒

We are incredibly proud to be part of it. ❤️

Petrolia Fire looks forward to continuing this work, continuing to learn, and strengthening the culture of mutual aid and togetherness that makes the fire service in Southern Humboldt so special. 🤝🔥

A huge thank you to Honeydew Fire, CAL FIRE, our fellow mutual aid departments, and every firefighter who has stepped up to participate. We’re excited about where this is going and what it means for the future of volunteer fire in our area. ❤️🚒

If you would like to help Petrolia Fire continue to grow, train, equip our firefighters, and take advantage of opportunities like this, please consider making a donation. Every donation, large or small, directly supports our volunteer department and the work our firefighters are doing. ❤️

Visit petroliafire.org and hit the Donate button. Your support truly helps keep Petrolia Fire moving forward. 🚒🔥❤️

Every time you see a volunteer fire engine roll by with its lights on, you’re seeing neighbors responding. They’re leavi...
08/06/2026

Every time you see a volunteer fire engine roll by with its lights on, you’re seeing neighbors responding. They’re leaving family dinners, stepping away from work, getting out of bed in the middle of the night, and putting themselves between danger and someone who needs help.

What many people don’t see is the constant challenge of keeping a volunteer fire department running. Equipment, training, fuel, medical supplies, protective gear, vehicle maintenance, radios, and insurance all add up. Most volunteer departments operate on incredibly tight budgets and often don’t have dedicated grant writers or fundraising staff. We rely on volunteers for almost everything, including finding the funding that keeps us ready for the next emergency.

That is why every donation matters.

A monthly gift of just $10 can make a real difference when enough people come together. Some are able to give more, some a little less, and every dollar helps keep your local firefighters equipped, trained, and ready to answer the next emergency.

We especially want to thank Sarah Vroom of the Mattole Restoration Council for her continued monthly support over the years. Consistent generosity like hers gives us confidence that we can keep serving this valley, and we are deeply grateful.

If you’ve ever wondered how you could support your local volunteer fire department, this is one of the most meaningful ways. You can make a monthly donation through PayPal, make a one time donation, stop by the station in person, mail a check to P.O. Box 169, Petrolia, CA 95558, or visit petroliafire.org and click the Donate button.

The Mattole Valley has always taken care of its own. Together, we can make sure that when someone calls for help, there will always be trained volunteers, reliable equipment, and a department ready to answer.

Your support isn’t just a donation.

It’s fuel in the engine.

It’s air in an SCBA bottle.

It’s lifesaving medical equipment.

It’s training for the next generation.

It’s a promise that your volunteer fire department will be there when it matters most.

Thank you for standing with Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department.

On Monday, August 3rd, Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department was proud to take part in the Big Truck Bonanza Resource Fair ...
08/04/2026

On Monday, August 3rd, Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department was proud to take part in the Big Truck Bonanza Resource Fair at the Mattole Valley Resource Center alongside Humboldt County Road Maintenance, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.

Watching kids light up as they climbed into the trucks, explored the equipment, and talked with firefighters, CHP officers, sheriff’s deputies, and road maintenance crews was the highlight of the afternoon. Great BBQ and plenty of conversation made it even better, giving families the chance to connect with the people and organizations that serve the Mattole Valley every day.

We also want to recognize all of the organizations that helped make the afternoon such a success, including Food For People, CalFresh, HOMES (DHHS), Safe Care, Adult Protective Services, IHSS, Ferndale Clothing Closet, and Area 1 Agency on Aging.

It was great to see so many organizations in one place, sharing resources, answering questions, and spending time with the people they serve. Building those relationships outside of emergency situations helps create stronger connections throughout the Mattole Valley.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, climbed on the trucks, and spent the afternoon with us. We had a fantastic time and are already looking forward to next year’s Big Truck Bonanza.

On Thursday, July 30, at about 8:30 p.m., after spending the day at KMUD’s public outreach event in Redway, Petrolia Vol...
07/31/2026

On Thursday, July 30, at about 8:30 p.m., after spending the day at KMUD’s public outreach event in Redway, Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched Code 3 to the Kings Range for a reported choking victim.

Petrolia Fire Chief 6600, Engine 6646, and Rescue 6677 responded alongside Cal Fire Engine 1282, Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue, and City Ambulance Garberville.

From Prosper Ridge and Lighthouse Road, crews drove nearly two miles to the command post, traveled another mile and a half by side by side, then hiked three quarters of a mile in the dark to reach the patient. After assessment, firefighters hiked the patient back out where care was transferred to City Ambulance. The incident concluded around 12:30 a.m.

This response shows just how remote the Kings Range really is. With no helicopters available, everything had to be done on the ground. Even with multiple agencies responding immediately, reaching a patient can take hours.

If you’re exploring the Kings Range or the Lost Coast, plan ahead. Carry plenty of water, food, warm clothing, lights, and a reliable way to call for help, such as a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon. Cell service is extremely limited.

When you call for help, make sure it is for a true emergency. Volunteer firefighters and first responders leave their families, jobs, and personal lives behind, often in the middle of the night, and accept significant risks to reach people in need.

The Kings Range demands teamwork. We are grateful to our mutual aid partners whose professionalism and cooperation make rescues like this possible in one of California’s most rugged landscapes.

A huge thank you to KMUD for inviting Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department to be part of their Fire Safety Fund Drive Touc...
07/31/2026

A huge thank you to KMUD for inviting Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department to be part of their Fire Safety Fund Drive Touch a Truck event!

We truly couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was wonderful getting to meet so many families, show neighborhood kids around our fire engine, and watch them light up as they climbed through it, tried out equipment, and learned a little more about what we do. Seeing that excitement and curiosity is one of the best parts of serving our community.

We also had the opportunity to join KMUD on the air to talk about Petrolia Fire, fire safety, and the work our volunteers do to protect the Mattole Valley. We’re grateful for the chance to share our department with the community in such a fun and welcoming setting.

KMUD was an incredible host. From the pizza, lemonade, cookies, tea, water, and the warm hospitality from everyone involved, they made us feel right at home.

A very special thank you to Elise the Beast for inviting us and making the whole event happen. Your hard work and generosity did not go unnoticed, and we had an absolute blast. It was well worth it, and we can’t wait to do it again!

Thank you, KMUD, for supporting fire safety, volunteer firefighters, and the communities we all serve.

We recently received emergency drinking water through Anheuser-Busch’s Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighter...
07/30/2026

We recently received emergency drinking water through Anheuser-Busch’s Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program.

This donation will go a long way in helping our firefighters stay safe during long incidents, high temperatures, and wildfire response operations. Thanks to this generous support, we were also able to share water with our neighbors at Honeydew Volunteer Fire Company, Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Fire, the Mattole Restoration Council and the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association. Strong communities are built by organizations working together, and we’re proud to support those who help protect the Mattole Valley alongside us.

We are incredibly grateful to Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for supporting volunteer fire departments across the country, and to North Coast Mercantile for delivering the water to our station.

Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program: www.nvfc.org/water

The fire service teaches us to take care of one another. That responsibility doesn’t end when the scene is cleared.Over ...
07/29/2026

The fire service teaches us to take care of one another. That responsibility doesn’t end when the scene is cleared.

Over the past month, Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department has responded to two critical incidents. Calls like these can stay with first responders long after the radios go quiet, which is why mental health is an essential part of the job.

Critical Incident Stress Management, or CISM, gives firefighters and other first responders a confidential opportunity to process difficult calls with trained peers and mental health professionals. It reminds us that asking for help is not a weakness. It’s part of staying healthy and being ready to serve our communities.

The signs that someone may be struggling aren’t always obvious. A firefighter may become withdrawn, isolate themselves from the crew, seem unusually quiet, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, have trouble sleeping, become more irritable, or simply not seem like themselves. Sometimes the biggest sign is just a change in behavior.

That is why we encourage everyone to check in with one another. A conversation over coffee, a phone call after a difficult incident, or simply asking, “How are you really doing?” can make a bigger difference than you may ever know. The support of fellow firefighters, family members, and friends is one of the strongest tools we have.

We are incredibly grateful to the CAL FIRE CISM Team for making this resource available to first responders and for the care and professionalism they have shown our department. Their support has been invaluable, and we appreciate the time they dedicate to helping those who spend their lives helping others.

The strongest crews aren’t the ones who never struggle. They’re the ones who refuse to let anyone struggle alone.

That’s a wrap on what was perhaps the 40th annual Roll on the Mattole, and what an incredible weekend it was.From the am...
07/28/2026

That’s a wrap on what was perhaps the 40th annual Roll on the Mattole, and what an incredible weekend it was.

From the amazing food, vendors, live music, firefighter muster, and countless volunteers, the Mattole Valley came together once again to support Honeydew Fire and celebrate the spirit that makes this community so special. It was a day filled with friends, family, laughter, teamwork, and an incredible display of what rural communities can accomplish when everyone works together.

One of the highlights of the day was the firefighter muster, where Honeydew Fire, Petrolia Fire, Telegraph Ridge Fire, and Myers Flat Fire all put on an outstanding demonstration of teamwork, communication, and skill. Every department performed exceptionally well, and it was exciting to watch firefighters who work alongside one another throughout the year come together in a friendly competition. Even when small mishaps happened, everyone adapted quickly, worked together, and kept the event running smoothly. It was a great reflection of the professionalism, camaraderie, and trust that exists between our neighboring departments. Congratulations to Honeydew Fire for taking home this year’s trophy after an incredibly close competition, and thank you to every firefighter who stepped up and represented their department with pride.

A huge thank you to all of the judges from across Humboldt County who took the time to make the competition possible. We also appreciate the support and participation from the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association, Briceland Fire, Miranda Fire, Myers Flat Fire, and Telegraph Ridge Fire, whose involvement helped make the event a success and demonstrated the strength of the partnerships we rely on every day.

Another highlight of the weekend was the medical unit, coordinated by Petrolia Fire. The team was staffed with providers ranging from Public Safety First Aid personnel to EMTs, paramedics, and even a physician, ensuring outstanding medical coverage throughout the event. The medical unit also showcased the strength of the Southern Humboldt Fire & Rescue Joint Powers Agreement, with providers from Petrolia Fire, Telegraph Ridge Fire, Myers Flat Fire, Briceland Fire, and Miranda Fire working together to keep every shift fully staffed and prepared. The addition of professional medical unit shirts this year made the team easy to identify and reflected the level of organization that went into planning the event. Thanks to everyone’s professionalism and teamwork, the event remained safe, with only three minor incidents requiring medical attention.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the Roll on the Mattole coordinators, whose countless hours of planning made another unforgettable event possible. Events like this don’t happen without an incredible amount of dedication behind the scenes, and your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Thank you to everyone who directed traffic and parking, worked in the kitchen, served food and drinks, sold T-shirts, staffed vendor booths, helped with setup and cleanup, and volunteered wherever help was needed. Your hard work is what keeps this tradition alive year after year.

Thank you to the incredible musicians who kept everyone entertained from afternoon until well after midnight:
Harmonious Dave & Roger
Triplewide
Free Limitless Energy
Chapel Blues
Earl Thomas

Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping make this event possible:
KHUM
KSLG
The Lounge
The Point
Mattole Valley Beef
Amy Lou’s Farmstand
Pacific Roots
Clearwater Farms
Mattole Valley Sungrown
AE Enterprises

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out to support Honeydew Fire. Every meal purchased, every T-shirt, every donation, and every hour volunteered helps strengthen emergency services here in the Mattole Valley and ensures our volunteer firefighters can continue serving this incredible community.

Congratulations again to Honeydew Fire on a well-earned firefighter muster victory. We’ll be looking forward to another great competition next year.

Thank you to everyone who made the 40th annual Roll on the Mattole such a memorable weekend. We’ll see you next year!

Address

98 Sherman Avenue
Petrolia, CA
95558

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