On August 5, 1889, a City Charter Amendment established the San Diego City Fire Department with forty-one men, eleven horses, two Steam Fire Engines; one Hose Wagon, two Hose Carts, one Hook & Ladder; and four thousand feet of hose. The total worth of the department, at that time, in materials, apparatus, horses and equipment, was $22,572.75.

How times have changed! San Diego Fire-Rescue is now a multi-agency department with firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards and a full time fire and rescue helicopter program integrated into a high-performing public safety agency. As you can well imagine the cost of providing high quality services to the City increased significantly over the last 120 years.

The San Diego community has always shown tremendous support for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Charitable partnerships have proven to be an effective means of meeting the needs of the Fire-Rescue Department and help it meet its one true goal: serving the citizens of San Diego.

The Department maintains a list of unmet needs, ranging from radios to vehicles.

People wishing to make a cash donation may write a check to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The mailing address is:

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
ATTN: Fire Chief
600 B Street, Suite 1300
San Diego, CA 92101

Checks can also be written to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation which works directly with the department to identify equipment needs.

You will receive a charitable contribution receipt.

And thank you for thinking of us.