Portola’s fire protection just took a major leap forward with the Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District now providing full-time, around-the-clock staffing at the city’s First Avenue station. This upgrade ensures rapid response not only to fires but also medical emergencies and public assists, enhancing community safety year-round.
Key Highlights from Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District Chief Jack Rosevear’s January 14 presentation to the Portola City Council:
- Full-Time 24/7 Firefighter Coverage: The First Avenue station in Portola is staffed 24/7 with three full-time firefighters working 48-hour shifts, supplemented by part-time personnel and volunteers. This represents a significant shift from previous staffing models.
- Multi-Station Staffing Overview:
- Station No. 1 (Portola): 24/7 staffing with three shift firefighters plus the Firefighter Explorer Program.
- Stations No. 2 & 3 (Portola and Delleker): Staffed by on-call firefighters.
- Stations No. 4 (Grizzly Road) & 5 (Beckwourth): 12-hour daily staffing with firefighters and support personnel.
- Stations No. 6 (Vinton) & 7 (Chilcoot): On-call firefighter coverage.
- Gold Mountain station staffed by community volunteer; Lake Davis and Iron Horse serve as equipment storage.
- Mutual Aid and Cost Coverage Agreement: A new contract with the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection establishes a mutual threat zone covering Portola and parts of Sierra Valley. This ensures that federal and state agencies respond immediately to local fire incidents, including providing aircraft and resources, while assuming the costs of fire suppression—relieving the city and district of previous financial burdens.
- Seasonal Firefighter Program: Beckwourth Peak will host a seasonal firefighter crew contracted to work in the forest during summer months, providing additional staffing in Portola overnight during their rotations, funded by the Forest Service.
- Internship and Staffing Growth Plans: The district has launched an internship program with Truckee Meadows Community College to bring in fire academy graduates for seasonal and interim positions. Increasing staffing levels remains a top priority.
- Dispatch Transition: The district plans to transition dispatch services from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office to the Susanville Interagency Fire
