Pechanga Fire Department

Twenty-three years since the Pechanga Fire Department (PFD) began, the force has more than tripled. Today, the Pechanga Fire Department employs 30 full-time fire professionals, including a Pechanga Tribal Member, a Fire Marshal/Division Chief, an Emergency Services Coordinator, a nine-member Fuels Management Crew, and nine reserve firefighters.

The PFD looks to the future and sees continued growth and prosperity of the growing economy of the Pechanga Band Indians and vows to perpetually protect the Tribe. The department stands prepared to face future challenges, determined to approach transformation with professionalism and the best level of service in the arenas of fire suppression, prevention, public education, and EMS and rescue programs.

The Pechanga people and their history are rooted deep into the land of the surrounding valley. The Pechanga Fire Department will make certain these roots continue to be nourished, protected and preserved, ensuring economic viability, a better way of life for the Pechanga members and residents, and the entire Temecula Valley.

From the volunteer to full-time employment phase, the Tribe continued to expand and develop homes, governmental buildings, and infrastructure on the Reservation. Simultaneously, the Tribe's business holdings increased with the development of a successful casino and the demand for expansion grew. As additional sources of revenue for the Tribe, a Pechanga Gas Station and Pechanga RV Resort was built adjacent to the casino. It was decided the volunteer fire department needed to transform into a full-fledged full-time fire department.

On April 6, 1997, the Pechanga General Membership approved the construction for the Fire Station Public Safety Building - Site 1.

In April 1999, three of the original volunteers, along with six others, were hired to operate the full-time Pechanga Fire Department. Three captains, three engineers, and three firefighters comprised the original team. As the department progressed, the team added a new type I American La France engine to the department, allowing for an operational 48/96 schedule. Growth paralleled the continued building on the Reservation and the construction of the 14-story Pechanga Resort & Casino (PRC). In October 2003, to keep up with the demand, twelve additional personnel were brought on to staff the new American La France 100-foot Tiller Quint. In November 2011, the department became an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider. As the Fire Service in California broadened, so has the Pechanga Fire Department.

Department equipment consists of a Type 1 Pierce engine, an American La France 100-foot Tiller Quint, two Type III engines, and a US&R vehicle. The PFD adheres to 310-1 (California Incident Command Certification System) training standards set forth by the state of California. It also meets stringent federal training regulations. Personnel also have specialized training including Rescue Systems I and II, river and flood rescue, technical rope rescue, and other specialized training courses. The Pechanga Fire Department currently has six members belonging to FEMA US&R Task Force 6, and four members on CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams in various overhead positions.