Berkeley Fire Department

Background

Established in 1904, the Berkeley Fire Department (BFD) serves the city of Berkeley, California, including the University of California, Berkeley, with a mission to protect life, property, and the environment through prevention, community preparedness, and emergency response. The department responds to over 16,000 service calls annually, encompassing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, and disaster response.

Key Strategic Focus

BFD's strategic objectives include enhancing emergency response capabilities, improving disaster preparedness, and advancing community education on fire safety. The department specializes in fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and water rescues. Key technologies utilized encompass modern fire apparatus, advanced communication systems, and specialized equipment for hazardous materials and water rescue operations. BFD primarily serves the city of Berkeley and the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on urban and wildland-urban interface areas.

Financials and Funding

In November 2020, Berkeley voters approved Measure FF, a parcel tax generating approximately $8.5 million annually to fund firefighting, emergency medical response, 9-1-1 communications services, hazard mitigation, and wildfire prevention and preparedness. In the fiscal year 2022, the city allocated $3 million from Measure FF funds to 11 projects, including disaster preparedness, department operations, emergency medical services, and employee development and training.

The Berkeley City Council approved a $1.5 billion two-year budget in June 2024, allocating $72.8 million to the fire department for fiscal year 2025 and $74.7 million for fiscal year 2026, compared to $62.3 million in 2024. The additional funding aims to address overtime budgets and fill vacancies.

Pipeline Development

BFD is actively working on several initiatives to enhance its services:

• Facility Upgrades: The department is seeking to establish a new headquarters to address significant overcrowding and operational inefficiencies. A property on the block north of Gilman Street, between Eighth and Ninth streets, has been identified as an ideal location. Negotiations are underway to secure this facility.

• Equipment Modernization: In August 2024, the City Council approved the purchase of five new fire department vehicles for $9.5 million to replace aging apparatus. The department aims to transition to an all-electric fleet in the future, though current costs and infrastructure limitations necessitate the continued use of diesel vehicles in the short term.

• Staffing Enhancements: Following recommendations from a city-hired consultant, BFD plans to increase the number of ambulances from four to six and hire additional medical personnel to staff them. The department is also working to hire more dispatchers and upgrade the dispatch system to improve response times.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BFD employs a range of proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies to enhance its operations:

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Quality Improvement: The department has established an EMS Quality Improvement Coordinator position responsible for ensuring the highest standards of emergency medical services. This role involves comprehensive audits, performance reviews, staff training, and real-time performance feedback to advance patient care and operational efficiency.

• Wildfire Preparedness: BFD has created a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Division focused on improving the city's preparedness for and resilience to wildfires. This team conducts property inspections to ensure compliance with defensible space requirements and develops community wildfire protection plans.

Leadership Team

• David Sprague: Fire Chief

Chief Sprague oversees the planning, organization, coordination, and direction of the city's fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical service programs. He plays a pivotal role in strategic planning, budgeting, and fostering cooperative relationships with community groups and other agencies.

• Keith May: Assistant Fire Chief

Assistant Chief May is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of emergency and non-emergency services, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, and technical services. He also serves as the secretary to the Disaster and Fire Safety Commission, facilitating coordination between the department and the commission.

Leadership Changes

In November 2024, the Berkeley Fire Department appointed Chris Cullander as the interim Alameda County Coordinator. This role focuses on enhancing wildfire resiliency and emergency preparedness across the county. Cullander brings extensive experience in wildfire mitigation and community leadership to the position.

Competitor Profile

As a municipal fire department, BFD does not have direct competitors in the traditional sense. However, it collaborates and coordinates with neighboring fire departments and emergency services agencies to ensure comprehensive regional coverage and mutual aid during large-scale incidents.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BFD is a participating agency in Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 4 (CA-TF4), a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force based in Oakland, California. This collaboration involves multiple agencies and enhances the department's capacity to respond to large-scale emergencies and disasters.

Operational Insights

BFD's strategic considerations include:

• Facility Expansion: Addressing the need for a new headquarters to alleviate overcrowding and improve operational efficiency.

• Equipment Modernization: Transitioning to an all-electric fleet to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.

• Staffing Enhancements: Increasing personnel and upgrading dispatch systems to improve response times and service delivery.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

BFD's strategic roadmap focuses on:

• Infrastructure Development: Securing and developing new facilities to support administrative functions, training, and equipment storage.

• Technological Advancements: Implementing advanced technologies in emergency response and communication systems.

• Community Engagement: Enhancing public education and preparedness programs to build community resilience.

Contact Information

• Website: City of Berkeley Fire Department

• Social Media:

• Twitter: Berkeley Fire Department Twitter

• Facebook: Berkeley Fire Department Facebook

• Instagram: Berkeley Fire Department Instagram