Frequently Asked Questions

1. General
2. How many firefighters are on duty each day?
3. How many emergencies does the fire department respond to each year?
4. Why does UCSC have its own fire department?
5. How do I become a UCSC firefighter?
6. 
   Fire Extinguisher
7. How often do fire extinguishers require service?
8. How do I get the fire extinguisher in my office serviced?
9. Who do I call if a fire extinguisher has been discharged or is missing?
10. Who decides where to place fire extinguishers?
11. How do I receive training on the use of fire extinguishers?

1. How many firefighters are on duty each day?
   Each day UCSC has a minimum of four firefighters on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These firefighters staff one of our two fie engines based on the type of call they are responding to.
   
   In addition to the firefighters staffing the fire engine, the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief are on duty Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both Chiefs are on call 24/7 for major incident occurring on campus.
   
   
2. How many emergencies does the fire department respond to each year?
   The department responds to just over 600 incidents each year. These include fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, alarm activations and a variety of other campus needs. Think of the Fire Department as the campus troubleshooters.
   
   
3. Why does UCSC have its own fire department?
   This is explained on the About UCSC Fire Department page.
   
   
4. How do I become a UCSC firefighter?
   The minimum requirements to become a UCSC firefighter are:
   
   • 18 years of age
   • California Drivers License
   • High School Diploma or GED
   • Firefighter I certification
   • Paramedic Certification
   • Hazardous Materials First Responder Certification
   
   If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a UCSC Firefighter please contact the Department at (831) 459-3473.
   
   
5. How often do fire extinguishers require service?
   Generally fire extinguishers are serviced annually. This servicing includes physical examination of the extinguisher and all of its components and is conducted by a service technician licensed by the State of California.
   
   
6. How do I get the fire extinguisher in my office serviced?
   If you believe the extinguisher in your office requires service call the Physical Plant work order desk at 459-4444. They will take the information and relay it to the contractor who services our extinguishers.
   
   
7. Who do I call if a fire extinguisher has been discharged or is missing?
   Call the Physical Plant work order desk at 459-4444. They will take the information and relay it to the contractor who services our extinguishers.
   
   
8. Who decides where to place fire extinguishers?
   The Campus Fire Marshal determines the quantity and location of fire extinguishers required in campus buildings. This determination is made based on the California Fire Code. No one should place a fire extinguisher in any building on campus without first consulting the Fire Marshall. Unauthorized extinguishers can pose both a safety and liability hazard for the University. The Campus Fire Marshall can be contacted at 459-3473.
   
   
9. How do I receive training on the use of fire extinguishers?
   The UCSC Fire Department offers monthly training on fire safety and the use of extinguishers. If you have a group of 10 or more and want a special training session contact the Department at 459-3473. All fire extinguisher training provided by the Department is free.