San Mateo County Authorizes $40M 6-year Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with Cal Fire to Protect Unincorporated County

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VIDEO and STAFF REPORT. From San Mateo County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 at 9:00am, as a hybrid meeting. Agenda. Staff Report for Regular Agenda Item #18. Cal Fire Presentation.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Contract Compliance Review – Audit Report

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Agenda Item #18 starts at 4:29:17
(This item was rearranged and occurred as the last agenda item)

To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael Callagy, County Executive
Jed Wilson, Fire Chief, San Mateo County Fire/CalFire
Subject: Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing a cooperative fire protection agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide fire protection services for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $39,882,814.

BACKGROUND
Since 1962, the County has contracted with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide fire protection services in the County Service Area #1 (CSA #1) and other unincorporated areas of the County not protected by cities or fire districts. In addition to fire and emergency medical services, CAL FIRE provides fire protection planning for new construction, fire prevention activities, and life safety inspection in the County areas. CAL FIRE also oversees the operations of three volunteer fire companies located in La Honda, Kings Mountain, and Loma Mar.

DISCUSSION
This agreement is essentially a continuation of the existing level of service provided by CAL FIRE. Previously, the County Board of Supervisors approved a 6-year Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with CAL FIRE for fire protection and emergency services from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2025. Service coverage includes seven Fire Stations and Engine Crews in Belmont, Cordilleras, El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Point Montara, and Skylonda.

All permanent and limited term personnel providing services under this agreement will be CAL FIRE employees who are assigned, supervised, and managed by CAL FIRE. In addition, CAL FIRE employees will supervise and manage all San Mateo County Fire Department Volunteer Firefighters. CAL FIRE staff are trained and experienced in managing all aspects of fire department and emergency services operations. The County will reimburse CAL FIRE for the actual cost of providing services under this agreement, including equipment and facility maintenance costs.

The County Controller’s Office completed a contract compliance audit and value assessment in April 2025, and determined that the County appeared to be receiving reasonable value from the services provided by CAL FIRE. A copy of the audit report is included as Exhibit A.

County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

MeasuresFY 2022-23 ActualFY 2023-24 ActualFY 2024-25 EstimateFY 2025-26 TargetFY 2026-27  Target
Number of fire related deaths and injuries00000
Percent of State-mandated fire occupancy inspections completed annually100%100%100%100%100%

COMMUNITY IMPACT
Approval of this agreement is critical to ensure the stable delivery of fire protection services for residents in San Mateo County’s unincorporated areas that are not protected by cities or fire districts.

FISCAL IMPACT
The term of the contract is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, for a not to exceed amount of $39,882,814. The contract costs are included in the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget and the FY 2026-27 Preliminary Recommended Budget for CSA #1 and Fire Protection Services.

ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A – CAL FIRE Contract Compliance Audit Report


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