San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department

San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Welcome to the official page of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department.

Since the San Mateo Fire Department was founded in 1889, our dedicated men and women have been essential to community safety and welfare. Growing with advanced technology, sophisticated training and personal dedication, today’s San Mateo Fire Department is prepared to respond to emergency medical calls and fires, rescues, assist at traffic accidents and major disasters.

Today, we pause to honor the memory of Engineer Michael “Mike” Ramsey on the anniversary of his line-of-duty death.Mike ...
07/22/2026

Today, we pause to honor the memory of Engineer Michael “Mike” Ramsey on the anniversary of his line-of-duty death.

Mike dedicated 33 years to the fire service, including 26 years with the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. He was known throughout our organization for his unforgettable storytelling, his tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience, and his willingness to mentor those around him. Whether sharing lessons from decades on the job or simply making the crew laugh around the kitchen table, Mike left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Beyond the uniform, Mike was a devoted husband and a proud father to his three children. His commitment to his family reflected the same character, integrity, and selflessness that defined his career in the fire service.

In 2023, Mike lost his battle with occupational prostate cancer, a sacrifice that was later recognized as a Line of Duty Death. Today, we honor his service, remember his legacy, and keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts.

Mike’s watch may have ended, but his stories, his wisdom, and the example he set continue to live on within our department.

Never forgotten.

SERVICE COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.Last night, Engine 15 responded to an unusual public assist in Belmont after a 110...
06/24/2026

SERVICE COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.

Last night, Engine 15 responded to an unusual public assist in Belmont after a 110-pound Bernese Mountain Dog stepped onto a floor vent that became dislodged, causing her to fall into the home’s HVAC system and become trapped.

Upon arrival, crews quickly assessed the situation and developed a plan to safely access the dog while minimizing damage to the home and reducing stress on the animal. Working alongside Belmont Police Department and the homeowners, firefighters carefully removed sections of ductwork and navigated the confined space until they were able to safely free her.

After nearly an hour of coordinated effort, the rescue was successful and the four-legged patient was reunited with her grateful family—uninjured and ready for some well-earned attention.

While no two calls are ever the same, every response requires teamwork, adaptability, and professional problem-solving. This incident reflects San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department’s mission of providing all-risk fire and emergency services through professionalism, collaboration, and public trust. Whether faced with a structure fire, medical emergency, technical rescue, or an unexpected challenge like this one, our firefighters remain committed to serving the community with skill, compassion, and dedication.

Fortunately, this story ended with plenty of tail wags, smiles, and one very relieved family.

ARE YOU READY to start a rewarding career in the fire service? San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is opening applica...
06/11/2026

ARE YOU READY to start a rewarding career in the fire service?

San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is opening applications for Entry Level Firefighter EMTs/Paramedics.
Begin your career with a department committed to excellence, training, innovation and service to our communities.
This listing will close 7/12/2026.

Also, SMCFD has a continual job opening for qualified Fire Inspectors I/II.

Scan the QR codes or apply via Cal Opps’ website.

06/04/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE | BELMONT

Yesterday, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department crews responded to reports of a residential structure fire in Belmont.

First-arriving companies encountered visible fire from a single-story residence and immediately initiated fire attack operations. Due to the home’s proximity to neighboring jurisdictions, mutual aid resources from Belmont PD, AMR SMCO, Redwood City Fire Department, and San Mateo County Fire responded alongside SMC Fire personnel. The incident was contained to a first alarm assignment. No occupants were inside the home at the time of the fire, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

This reel captures a critical phase of the incident. The one-minute video (shown at 2x speed) demonstrates coordinated truck and engine company operations as firefighters worked to improve conditions inside the structure and bring the fire under control.

As Truck 23 crews perform vertical ventilation by opening the roof above the fire area, heat, smoke, and superheated fire gases are released through the ventilation opening. At the same time, Engine 14 advances an attack line inside the structure while additional crews support fire attack, water supply, and search operations. Positive pressure ventilation is also established at the front entrance using a gas-powered fan to assist with smoke removal.

Watch closely as conditions rapidly improve once ventilation and suppression efforts are coordinated. The combination of vertical ventilation, positive pressure ventilation, and interior fire attack reduces interior temperatures, improves visibility, and creates a safer operating environment for firefighters while helping limit fire spread and property damage.

Incidents like this highlight the importance of coordinated engine and truck company operations, training, and teamwork on the fireground.

06/02/2026

SMC FIRE | VEHICLE FIRE

On the early morning of May 31, 2026, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department crews responded to a vehicle fire on northbound Highway 101 just south of Hillsdale Boulevard.

Engine 14 and Engine 26 arrived to find a single vehicle involved. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and prevented its extension to nearby vegetation and traffic lanes.

The sole occupant safely exited the vehicle prior to our arrival and was not injured.

The fire was extinguished without incident, and traffic was restored as crews completed overhaul and ensured the area was safe.

Thank you to our partner agencies for their assistance and to motorists for slowing down and moving over for emergency personnel working along the roadway.

SMC FIRE | WILDLAND INCIDENTEarly this morning, SMC crews responded to reports of smoke in the area of Coyote Point, arr...
05/27/2026

SMC FIRE | WILDLAND INCIDENT

Early this morning, SMC crews responded to reports of smoke in the area of Coyote Point, arriving on scene to find an approximately 30'x50' grass and brush fire. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, preventing further spread and mitigating the wildland threat without injury.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Resources assigned included Battalion 5, E21, E24, and E34.

Today, members of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department and the San Mateo Police Department gathered to remember th...
05/22/2026

Today, members of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department and the San Mateo Police Department gathered to remember the life of Captain Julius “Jay” Meghinassso.

Captain Meghinasso was hired as a firefighter with the San Mateo City Fire Department on May 16th, 1942. Described by Fire Chief Hugh Morris as “one of the best men we had in the department”, Captain Meghinasso was appointed to the rank of Fire Captain on October 1st, 1949.

On May 24, 1954, at 0018 hours, Engine Company 4 (now Engine 24) responded to a structure fire at 1616 S. Norfolk Street. During firefighting operations, Captain Meghinasso collapsed and was rushed to Mills Hospital. Tragically, Captain Meghinasso later succumbed to injuries sustained in the arson fire.

Nearly 72 years later, we gather annually to remember the life of Captain Julius “Jay” Meghinasso.

03/27/2026

🔥 Fire Truck Face-Off 2026 continues! 🔥

Alameda Fire Department is part of our red-hot second round, competing for their charity of choice - Alameda Food Bank!

They're going up against San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department who is competing for Firefighters Burn Institute. Visit FireTruckFaceOff.com to vote for your favorite!

Remember, likes and comments on this post do not count as votes. Visit our website to vote and share this post! Polls stay open until 10 am tomorrow morning (3/27/2026). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the results!

We need your help! Our engine is going head-to-head in a March Madness-style showdown hosted by  apparatus in a fire tru...
03/27/2026

We need your help!

Our engine is going head-to-head in a March Madness-style showdown hosted by apparatus in a fire truck face off for Best Fire Apparatus— and we’re ready to make a run.

But we can’t do it without you

Voting opened today at NOON
The link will be posted in our stories at noon today! Please make sure to have alerts set for our stories and posts so you don’t miss opportunity to vote and move us on into the Elite 8! We are going up against the City of Alameda and we need to get all the votes we can!

The winning department gets to donate $1,500 to a charity of their choice, and we’re proud to be a longtime supporter of the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

Let’s take this all the way!

https://firetruckfaceoff.com/

Address

2121 S. El Camino Real BLDG B, STE 100
San Mateo, CA
94403

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16505227900

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