The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District was formed on October 14, 1946, under an order adopted by the County Board of Supervisors. At the time, the Fire District was comprised of one Chief and 15 volunteer personnel who protected an estimated 3,800 residents.

Today, the Fire District now spans approximately 50-square miles and protects over 34,000 citizens. What was once an all-volunteer force operating out of a single fire station is now a full-time fire protection agency comprised of one Fire Chief, one Deputy Chief, one Battalion Chief/Training Officer, three Shift Battalion Chiefs, 5 Administrative positions, 6 Fire Prevention positions, and 51 paid fire suppression positions.

The Fire District is governed by a five-person elected Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for establishing policies, guidelines and providing direction for Fire District staff. Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in our Administration Building and are open to the public.

The Fire District currently operates out of six full-time fire stations and one administration office serving communities within and surrounding Rancho Santa Fe, 4S-Ranch, Fairbanks Ranch, Cielo, The Crosby, Elfin Forest, and Harmony Grove.