On Aug. 5, 1889, a City Charter Amendment established the San Diego City Fire Department with forty-one men, eleven horses, two Steam Fire Engines; one Hose Wagon, two Hose Carts, one Hook & Ladder; and four thousand feet of hose. The total worth of the department, at that time, in materials, apparatus, horses and equipment, was $22,572.75.

How times have changed! San Diego Fire-Rescue is now a multi-agency department with firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards and a full-time fire and rescue helicopter program integrated into a high-performing public safety agency. As you can well imagine, the cost of providing high-quality services to the City has increased significantly over the last 120 years.

The San Diego community has always shown tremendous support for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Charitable partnerships have proven to be an effective means of meeting the department's needs and helping it achieve its one true goal: serving the citizens of San Diego.

The Department maintains a list of unmet needs, ranging from radios to vehicles.

People wishing to make a cash donation may write a check to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The mailing address is:

City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
ATTN: Fire Chief
600 B St., Suite 1300
San Diego, CA 92101

Checks can also be written to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, which works directly with the department to identify equipment needs.

You will receive a charitable contribution receipt.

And thank you for thinking of us.