Our formal beginning was April 8, 2000. We were part of the Pine Ridge Property Owners Association (PRPOA) at that time. Nine firefighters signed on and we were off and running.

Larry Pearsall started the department and became the first Fire Chief.

Our first fire engine, a 1953 Ford, has been donated to the Cal Fire Historical Society and will be displayed in their museum.

We were stakeholders in the Highway 168 Fire Safe Council from the beginning and continue to support that organization.

We inaugurated the Road Rangers on September 9, 2000. This was a unique group of community members that supported the firefighters. They directed traffic during incidents and guided emergency vehicles to the scene. They wore bright orange vests and helmets and were equipped with radios, traffic signs and cones as well as full wildland personal protective equipment (PPE) including fire shelters so they could work on the fire ground. They patroled for spot fires, delivered food and water and performed many other useful tasks. Captain Sharon Moore originally headed up this organization.

After the Creek Fire due to the number of fire department members that lost their homes and moved away, and improved use of mapping software and GPS by Cal Fire and American Ambulance, the Road Rangers were disbanded. In fire and medical emergencies our dispatcher and community members are available to guide emergency vehicles to the incident.

Training has always been an important part of our department. We have trained with neighboring fire departments and Cal Fire as well as in our own area. Former Chief Gary Martin, Former Chief Warren Colbert, and current Chief James Parr have all served as training officers. Captain Janet Parr is currently in charge of training.

We have evolved from nine untrained firefighters and one old engine to a viable fire department. Currently we have 19 members: 3 engineers, 12 firefighters, 3 road rangers and 1 auxiliary member. 5 of our members are EMT/EMR's. We have 2 fire engines, 2 patrols and 1 water tender.