El Dorado County Fire Protection District

06/04/2026

Last Friday, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District held a Change of Command Ceremony honoring the service and leadership of Fire Chief Tim Cordero and officially welcoming Fire Chief Brad Gates as our new Fire Chief.

The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the IAFF Local 3556 Honor Guard, music by the Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums, salutes to both chiefs, the traditional passing of the speaking trumpet, the ringing of the bell, badge pinning, oath of office, and the official radio sign-off and sign-on.

Chief Cordero’s leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to our District have helped shape the organization we are today. We thank him for his years of service and commitment to the firefighters, staff, and communities of El Dorado County Fire.

We also congratulate Fire Chief Brad Gates as he assumes command of the District. His leadership, experience, and dedication to public service will guide El Dorado County Fire into its next chapter.

Thank you to our Board of Directors, IAFF Local 3556, Honor Guard, Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Chaplain Lloyd Ogan, our members, families, partner agencies, and community members who joined us for this meaningful ceremony.

Please join us in thanking Chief Cordero and congratulating Chief Gates!

06/04/2026

06/01/2026

Medic 48 is officially in service!

Today, June 1, 2026, El Dorado County Fire Protection District placed Medic 48 into service at Station 48, located on Missouri Flat Road near El Dorado Road.

This new Advanced Life Support ambulance enhances access to essential emergency medical services for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the greater West Slope communities.

Medic 48 is the ninth ALS ambulance in the West Slope EMS system and the sixth ambulance operated by El Dorado County Fire Protection District. The unit was awarded to the District by the El Dorado County Emergency Services Authority following a competitive process earlier this year.

As emergency medical call volumes continue to increase across the region, the addition of Medic 48 strengthens local response capacity, improves system reliability, and helps keep more ambulances available within the communities they serve.

Medic 48 is staffed using the District’s Paramedic Ambulance Operator model and represents another important investment in maintaining timely, high-quality emergency medical care throughout El Dorado County.

We are proud to bring this additional resource into service and grateful for the continued partnership with the El Dorado County Emergency Services Authority, El Dorado County, our healthcare partners, and the fire agencies that make up the regional EMS system.

Welcome to service, Medic 48!

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please take a moment today to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸

05/15/2026

Homeowners insurance continues to be one of the biggest concerns across our region — from rising premiums to policy cancellations and navigating the FAIR Plan.

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick is hosting a Virtual Town Hall on Monday, June 16 at 5:30 PM focused on legislative updates and insurance issues impacting California residents. Speakers will include representatives from the California Department of Insurance, the CA FAIR Plan, and the Personal Insurance Federation.

This could be a valuable opportunity for community members to hear directly from agencies and organizations involved in California’s changing insurance landscape and ask questions about what it means locally.

RSVP here: https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/rsvp_const.php?dist=AD1&rsvpId=2575&bid=2770

05/14/2026

Today the Engine 49 crew in Diamond Springs handled a walk-in emergency after a little kitten named Screamer somehow got his head stuck inside a metal insulated water bottle.

After a careful rescue operation involving teamwork, creativity, and a level of problem-solving usually reserved for much larger emergencies, crews finally freed the tiny troublemaker using several small hand tools — all while reminding each other, “DALE! DALE, NO POWER TOOLS!” (admittedly some might have been used, in the end). The successful rescue definitely created a lot more room for activities. 😼

Screamer was unharmed, extremely loud, and will no longer be trusted around drinkware.

05/10/2026

We celebrate the moms who hold everything together — at home, in our stations, and throughout our communities. ❤️🚒

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, wives, partners, daughters, and caregivers who support the fire service every day. Your strength, sacrifice, and love do not go unnoticed.

We especially recognize the mothers serving within our department and throughout the fire service. Thank you for your dedication to both your families and your communities.

Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Mother’s Day!

05/07/2026

We still have a few seats available for the National Fire Academy’s Leadership in Supervision course hosted by El Dorado County Fire Protection District. This 6-day course combines Leadership I, II, and III into a single program designed for current and aspiring fire and EMS supervisors looking to strengthen leadership, communication, decision-making, and professional growth skills.

📍 Station 49 – Diamond Springs, CA
📅 June 1–6, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
💲 FREE
🎓 NFA Course Completion Certificate (ACE college credit recommendation available)

This course also satisfies some Managing Officer Program prerequisite requirements through the National Fire Academy.

Spots are limited and pre-registration is required. To register or ask questions, contact our coordinator Division Chief Poganski at [email protected]

05/05/2026

We join our partners at Lake Valley Fire Protection District in honoring the life and service of Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible, who passed away in the line of duty.

Engineer Schnaible served his community with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to protecting others that reflects the very best of the fire service.

We extend our support to his family, friends, and the members of Lake Valley Fire during this difficult time.

05/02/2026

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and effective prevention begins well in advance of the fire season. Across the nation, the Forest Service is actively preparing crews, aircraft, and equipment, while carrying out year round initiatives to reduce hazardous fuels and enhance community protection. Federal wildland firefighters engage in continuous training, planning, and coordination to ensure readiness for the challenges each season may present. Learn more about how agencies are preparing and how you can contribute to wildfire prevention in your community. Every day, in every place, for everyone — we stand prepared. https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/ready-wildfire