Yreka Fire Department
Joe Suter -Fire Chief
The Yreka Volunteer Fire Department began as the Siskiyou Hook & Ladder Company Number 1 in 1856. At that time, all of the engines and equipment were privately owned by the 30 volunteer members of the company. In 1924, the Siskiyou Hook & Ladder Company was officially reorganized as the Yreka Volunteer Fire Department.
The tradition of a Volunteer Fire Department has been preserved for its entire 152-year history. Today, the Department is authorized to have 50 volunteers; however, the active roster consists of about 30 members. The operations and volunteers of the Department are managed by an Executive Board of seven members.
Yreka's volunteer firefighters respond to an average of 981 incidents per year. Last year, the Fire Department received 1,117 calls, averaging out to 93 per month. Additionally, the Yreka Fire Department responds to situations outside the City providing mutual aid. Volunteers are called away from work or family an average of three times every day to respond to 911 emergency calls. Currently, 80% of all calls the Fire Department responds to are medical-related. The rise in 911 emergency (and non-emergency) medical calls is one of the major challenges facing the Fire Department.
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Executive Board RosterThe Executive Board consists of seven members who manage the operations and volunteers of Yreka's Volunteer Fire Department:
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If you would like to help ensure Yreka's fire safety, you can make a donation to the Yreka Volunteer Fire Department or call City Hall at 841-2386 for more information.
Yreka Volunteer Fire Department.
401 W Miner St
Yreka, CA 96097
530.841.2383
Measure H (Fire Tax)
In November of 2006, a two-thirds voter majority approved a special property-based assessment known as the fire tax. This tax enables the Fire Department to purchase capital equipment. With the revenue from the fire tax, the City was able to secure a 10-year loan for $1,091,964 in order to purchase a four-wheel-drive Intruder Pumper Truck and a Quint Aerial Ladder Truck as well as the related hoses and supplies to outfit the engines.
