Susanville Fire Department

05/12/2026

05/06/2026

04/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Susanville Fire Department Cadet Program. We were especially excited to have the CAL FIRE engine crew join us and help the cadets wash and dry cars.
Teamwork like this goes far beyond helping each other at community events; it reflects the strong working relationships we build when local agencies come together through mutual aid to support one another and ensure incidents are handled safely and effectively. Whether it’s a fire, traffic collision, medical aid, rescue, hazmat incident, or just a car wash, we are grateful for those who step up and help lighten the workload
The Cadet’s fundraiser runs until 15:00, so if you have not made it, there is still time.

04/25/2026

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the car wash fundraiser for the SFD Cadets. Come out and support them at 1505 Main St.

04/12/2026

The Susanville Fire Cadets are hosting a unique drive-through car wash at the fire station, giving the community a chance to support a great cause while getting their vehicles cleaned. Residents can simply drive through the station as cadets handle the rest, showcasing their teamwork and dedication.
The fundraiser aims to help send these young men and women to the California Cadet Academy in Napa, CA, where they will gain valuable exposure to careers in firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.
The Academy’s mission is to provide high school-aged students with education and hands-on experience in public safety, while fostering skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

03/23/2026

We have the privilege of recognizing someone who, I believe, truly embodies what it means to serve — not just as a firefighter, but as a member of this community, a colleague, a family member, and a friend.
Zach saw an opportunity to be hired as a firefighter for the city and, after weighing the pros and cons, made the difficult decision to walk away from the career he was building, to start over, and follow his dream and passion.
He joined the Susanville Fire Department in 2022, and in a short time, has made an impact that most people take a career to achieve.
Before joining our department, he proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army — and that same sense of duty, dedication, and service carries on in everything that is done here.
His passion for the job shows every day with a level of commitment that goes far beyond the firehouse. With the SWAT team, he provides tactical EMS support during training and incidents. As a member of both the Dive and Swift Water teams, he trains for deployments around the county for water rescue And aside from being the lead advisor to the members of the department's Cadet program, Zach is also a Fire Instructor at Lassen Community College — helping to train future generations of firefighters, sharing with them the amazing opportunities the fire service provides, and more importantly, showing them how fulfilling a life of serving your community can be.
Now, you would think that after all of this, and add to that having a family, there would be no time left in his day. Yet with his family's support, he has taken that passion for the job and obtained an Associate's in Fire Technology, a Bachelor's in Fire Administration, and is currently working toward even higher education goals. Holding true to the phrase used throughout the fire service as to what we should all strive to be: Students of Fire.
What truly sets Zach apart is not just his willingness to give back. Whether it's ringing the Salvation Army bell, spending time with kids at Holiday with a Hero, or teaching CPR to community members, it's that every single day he shows up with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a desire to do what it takes to make this department better.
It is an honor for me to present him with this award, because I truly believe this department is better because of you.

Please join me in honoring our 2025 Firefighter of the Year — Zach Hoffman.

Leon Myers
Acting Assistant Fire Chief
Susanville Fire Department

02/03/2026

The Susanville Fire Department’s first quarterly Community CPR and First Aid class of 2026 will be held on February 28th. The department is hosting these quarterly sessions with a mission to …

01/06/2026

🔥Prescribed Fire Notice! USDA-Forest Service firefighters will be burning hand piles today through tomorrow on the Eagle Lake Ranger District, as conditions allow:

🌲Eagle Lake District Office Admin Piles, near the office and HWY 36.

Residents and recreational users may see smoke in the areas where operations are occurring. Check https://www.airnow.gov/ for current smoke conditions.

Signs will be posted along HWY 36 and the A1 road. Please use caution on these nearby roadways.

01/05/2026

Congratulations Chief!

After 38 years in the fire service, 34 with CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc Unit, Chief Eric Ewing retired effective December 22, 2025.

Chief Ewing began his fire service career in 1988 as an Explorer with the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department where he remained an active member for the next 24 years. In 1992, he began his career with CAL FIRE in the Lassen-Modoc Unit (LMU) as a Firefighter 1.

His loyalty to our communities fueled his desire to remain in LMU for the entirety of his career as he promoted through the ranks of Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and ultimately Unit Chief.

During his tenure assignments included Susanville Station, Grasshopper Station, Westwood Station, Bieber Station, Alturas Station, Deer Springs Station, Devils Garden Camp, Battalion Chief at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center, Chief with the Lassen County Office of Emergency Services, Assistant Chief over Administration at LMU, Lassen County Fire Warden, and Director of Lassen County Office of Emergency Services.

"It has been an honor and humbling experience to have served my community in such capacities. Thank you to those that mentored, supported and trusted me throughout my career; for that I am eternally grateful. A special thank you to my family for their support and guidance while enduring the long hours and demands of such a career. The many relationships I have built and the interagency cooperation that I was lucky enough to participate in have been key components in my career and what make Lassen Modoc a great place to work and live."

Thank you Chief for the years of dedication and service to our unit, your leadership and guidance will be greatly missed! We sincerely hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement!