Since 1853, we have provided high quality service to the Grass Valley community by being progressive and efficient.
About us
Under the supervision of Fire Chief Mark Buttron and one Batallion Chief per shift, 14 sworn employees operate out of two strategically placed firehouses. Grass Valley Firefighters protect more than 12,000 permanent residents, a day time population of 20,000 and respond to more than 4500 calls for service per year. Station 1 is staffed with a minimum of one company officer and one engineer or firefighter/operator 24/7. Station 2 is staffed with a minimum of a Captain, Engineer and firefighter 24/7. Interns supplement the career staffing and the crews operate off of Type 1 fire engines. Additional equipment is placed at both stations that crews can utilize for calls for service such as our 105 foot ladder truck and a Governors Office of Emergency Services (OES) engine. The Grass Valley Fire Department is a part of the Nevada County JOA (Joint Operational Area) which is comprised of the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, the City of Nevada City Fire Department and the City of Grass Valley Fire Department. All three agencies work and train together to provide high quality service to the community. Many of the engines within the JOA are outfitted with similar equipment to allow for a smooth interagency operation.
Truck 2 is located at Station 2 and is cross staffed by the crew there. This is the only truck in western Nevada County and is often requested to assist with incidents outside of the city. It is a 2009 Smeal 105ft. ladder truck with a 2000GPM pump and 480 gallons of water. It carries a full set of extrication equipment (Jaws of Life), high and low angle rope rescue equipment, and confined space equipment in addition to firefighting and medical equipment.
Engine 1 responds out of Station 1 and is staffed by a minimum of 2 firefighters 24/7 and is often supplemented by an intern. Station 1 is a joint staffed station meaning there is one Grass Valley City employee and one Nevada County employee on shift each day. Engine 1 carries a full set of vehicle extrication equipment (Jaws of Life), low angle rope rescue equipment and a small compliment of swift water equipment in addition to firefighting and medical equipment. Engine 1 is a 2016 KME Servere Service Type 1 fire engine with a 1500GPM pump and 500 gallons of water.
Engine 2 responds out of station 2 and is staffed by a minimum of 2 firefighters 24/7, but often times has three or four Grass Valley Firefighters as well as an intern. It carries a full set of vehicle extrication equipment (Jaws of Life), and low angle rope rescue equipment in addition to firefighting and medical equipment. Engine 2 is a 2015 KME Severe Service type 1 pumper with a 1500GPM pump and 500 gallons of water.
Engine 2B is in reserve status and located at Station 2. When the first out engine needs maintenence the crews will respond on this piece of equipment. Engine 2B is a 2003 Ferrara type 1 fire engine with a 1500GPM pump and 500 gallons of water.
The Grass Valley Fire Department staffs and maintains a California OES fire engine. Our OES 334 engine is located at station 1 and can be called at any time to assist anywhere in the state through the state mutual aid system. This engine is often called to assist on large wildfires during the summer months and used at home as a reserve engine when needed.