Serving with Kindness - top right
LG helping lady
Capt Dick hose demo
Fire & Life Safety
page 6 replacement

The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is an all-risk, all-threat first responder agency safeguarding lives, property and the environment through 24-hour fire, rescue and emergency medical services.

The Fire Department is divided into two bureaus:

Emergency Operations is the largest bureau within the department and is responsible for fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical service (EMS) delivery, lifeguard service/marine safety and disaster mitigation.

The Community Risk Reduction Bureau is divided into two sections:

To learn more about our programs and services, click the icons below. 

160-Berryman&Lloyd

EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS

160-Sparky 2 front of stove

COMMUNITY
RISK REDUCTION

160-firefighters0023

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
& RESILIENCE

160-lifeguard pilot program-56

LIFEGUARD
SERVICE

 

Mission, Motto and Values 

 

Our Mission

Enhance the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad through excellence in emergency and support services.

Our Motto

Serving with kindness.

Our Values

  • Professionalism - Honoring the Carlsbad Fire Department’s Oath of Office, Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
  • Service - Dedicated and compassionate response to the people we serve and each other.
  • Integrity - A respectful and unified team dedicated to both team cohesion and strong moral principles at all times.

What's new?

Empty headingFire Department improvements

Recent news

Staying safe at the beach

Many students in Carlsbad will be on spring break next week so it’s a good time to review some essential beach-safety tips. City of Carlsbad lifeguards have created these important reminders to help keep you healthy and safe while you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches.
Post Date:04/13/2022 11:44 AM

Many students in Carlsbad will be on spring break next week so it’s a good time to review some essential beach-safety tips. City of Carlsbad lifeguards have created these important reminders to help keep you healthy and safe while you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches. 

Rip currents

Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can lead to drowning or the need for a lifeguard rescue. Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. Before you enter the ocean, check for signs of a rip current:

  • Channel of churning, foaming or choppy water
  • Different colored water than the surrounding water
  • Breaks in incoming waves

If you do find yourself stuck in a rip, you can stay safe by doing this:

  • Don’t swim against the rip current - you will exhaust yourself
  • Attempt to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip current
  • If you can’t escape, float on your back or tread water and go with the current
  • Stay calm - Rip currents don’t pull you under, they pull you away from shore. Most rip tides generally dissipate within 50 to 100 feet of the shoreline.

How to spot a rip current (video)
How to escape a rip current (video)

Stingrays

Stingrays have long whip-like tails with a barb located on the end that punctures the skin and secretes venom

  • Look at the sand as you enter the water
  • Do the stingray shuffle! Shuffle your feet as you walk to alert resting stingrays, giving them time to move away 
  • Although it may hurt a lot, it’s typically not an emergency. Soak your foot in hot water to soothe the pain and neutralize the venom

How to avoid getting stung (video)

General safety tips

  • Never swim alone
  • Check-in with lifeguard for current conditions
  • Always swim near a lifeguard
  • Know your limits. When in doubt, don’t go out
  • Watch your kids
  • Stay hydrated
  • Wear sunscreen

Beach rules

  • No glass is allowed on the beach. Broken glass can quickly ruin someone’s day
  • Campfires and BBQ’s that use wood or charcoal are not allowed
  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach
  • Have a good and safe time

More information
Beach safety webpage

Return to full list >>