Porterville Fire Department

05/13/2026

2025 State of the City

05/12/2026

Over the weekend, the Porterville Fire Department partnered with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in homes throughout Porterville during the On Demand Smoke Alarm Install event. 🚨🏠

Here’s a look at the impact made on Saturday:
• Installations completed in 5 homes
• 17 smoke alarms installed
• 1 bed shaker and 1 strobe light installed
• 23 lives made safer through these installations

Thank you to the American Red Cross and everyone involved in helping keep our community safe. ❤️🖤

Remember to regularly check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries when needed, and make sure your family has a fire escape plan in place. Early detection and preparation can save lives.

To sign up for an American Red Cross On Demand Smoke Alarm Install, visit their website and sign up here:

https://www.redcross.org/local/california/central-california/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign/smoke-alarm-request.html

05/07/2026

This past weekend, members of the Porterville Fire Department, along with the families of Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones, traveled to Emmitsburg, Maryland to attend the 2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

The memorial honors firefighters from across the nation who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. It was a meaningful weekend of remembrance, reflection, and support alongside fire service families from across the country.

We continue to honor the legacy, sacrifice, and dedication of Captain Figueroa and Firefighter Jones. They will never be forgotten. ❤️

05/01/2026

🚒 New Look, Same Mission — Even Safer Than Before

You may start noticing Porterville Fire Department firefighters wearing black turnout gear instead of the traditional brown. While it may look like just a color change, there are some important safety reasons behind it:

🔥Better Heat Warning Signs
Black gear shows signs of extreme heat exposure more clearly, helping firefighters recognize when their gear has been pushed to its limits.

🔥Built to Last
Black gear holds up better over time, especially under constant sun exposure, meaning it stays stronger and more reliable longer.

🔥Improved Visibility
At night or in foggy conditions, firefighters wearing black gear with reflective trim are easier to see, helping keep crews safer on emergency scenes.
See the comparison picture in this post showing the reflective difference between black and brown gear.

🔥Better Mobility
This specific gear is designed with a more athletic fit, allowing firefighters to move more freely and efficiently on the fireground.

🔥No Added Heat Risk
Even though it’s black, modern materials and liners prevent extra heat from reaching the firefighter, so there’s no difference in how hot it feels compared to brown gear.

At the end of the day, this change is all about keeping our firefighters safer so they can continue protecting our community.

04/28/2026

Academy 26-9 — Complete. 🎓🚒

After eight weeks of demanding training, recruits Humerickhouse, King, Martinez, and Gutierrez have successfully graduated and are beginning their careers as Probationary Firefighters with the Porterville Fire Department.

Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout the academy have prepared them to serve our community with professionalism and pride.

We’re proud to welcome them to the PFD family. 🔥

04/22/2026

Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Administrative Assistants for everything they do behind the scenes to keep the fire department running smoothly.

From managing reports and coordinating logistics to supporting our crews and ensuring operations stay on track, your work often goes unseen,but it never goes unnoticed. Your dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail are essential to our mission of serving the community.

We truly appreciate your hard work, commitment, and the vital role you play every single day.

04/21/2026

🚒🚓 Battle of the Badges is ON! 🍌🍨

Think you’ve got what it takes to help Porterville Fire come out on top? Now’s your chance!

Join us for a fun (and meaningful) showdown as Porterville Fire Department and our law enforcement partners go head-to-head—not on the streets, but in saving lives. ❤️

📍 Valley Oak Community Church
1970 W. Henderson Ave, Porterville
📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🩸 Donate blood = Save lives
🍌 Get a FREE banana split just for donating!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP and secure your spot!

When you donate, be sure to say you’re supporting Porterville Fire Department, every donation counts in this friendly competition! 🔥

Bring your friends, bring your family, and come enjoy a great cause, good vibes, and a sweet treat.

04/20/2026

🔥Deadline to apply is this Friday, April 24th at 4PM!🔥

🔥We are HIRING! 🔥

Entry level and Lateral Firefighter

Application deadline is April 24, 2026, at 4:00pm

Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/porterville

04/20/2026

6:15PM Grass Fire, Tule River West of Hwy 65. Porterville Fire Engine 73, 72, Patrol 71, and Battalion 78 responded to the scene along with TCFD. Porterville Fire was the first on the scene and initiated fire attack. Porterville firefighters encountered a stranded puppy in the immediate area of the fire and rescued the puppy. The puppy has been picked up and is safely at the PVAC Shelter. No injuries were reported.

04/18/2026

The Porterville Fire Department is proud to recognize the following personnel on their recent promotions:

-Derek Mathews - Captain
-Darren Noe - Engineer
-Joshua Holden - Engineer

Please join us in celebrating their achievements and dedication to our community! 🚒👏🎉