(a) Findings. The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino hereby finds and determines:
(1) That the efficient and safe provision of fire protection services is one of the most important priorities and public functions within the County of San Bernardino.
(2) That such services are provided in an effective and professional manner by the existing fire protection districts, fire departments, community service districts and county service areas with fire powers within the County.
(3) That the formation and operation of fire companies, which may attempt to provide services without direction from, and coordination with, the established County fire agencies, may present a serious safety threat to the residents of the County, resulting in possible mismanagement of emergencies and in confusion to those who are seeking aid.
(4) That the operation of such fire companies can also jeopardize the safety of firefighters of agencies having jurisdiction, who respond to fires and other emergencies.
(b) Formation and continued operations of fire companies.
(1) Fire companies shall not be formed or allowed to continue to operate within the County of San Bernardino without approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(2) Prior to granting approval, the following criteria must be met:
(A) Submit an application for formation to the California Office of Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Operational Area Coordinator where the establishment of the fire company is being proposed that identifies:
(I) The proposed boundaries of the fire company.
(II) The proposed call-taking and dispatching procedures.
(III) The proposed radio frequencies and letter of authorizations for use.
(B) If the proposed fire company is within the jurisdiction of an organized fire protection agency, a letter approving the formation of the fire company must be provided by the Fire Chief of the agency having jurisdiction.
(C) Must meet the requirements of Firefighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies (FIRESCOPE) and be eligible for issuance of a three letter designator.
(D) Must be recorded and tracked as an organized fire department through the State Office of Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Branch.
(E) Must be recognized by the State Fire Marshal and be eligible for issuance of a California All Incident Reporting System (CAIRS) number.
(F) Must submit a completed application that indicates compliance with all requirements to the County Fire Chief/Fire Warden for final approval by the County Board of Supervisors.
(3) In addition to the above-referenced criteria, the fire company must be fully qualified to provide fire protection services under applicable State and local laws and regulations. Such qualification considerations shall include, but not be limited to, training mandates, minimum staffing requirements, the existence of a respiratory protection program and blood born pathogen infection control program, proper dispatch frequency capability, properly equipped and mechanically sound fire apparatus, and Master Mutual Aid eligibility.
(4) That upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief/Fire Warden, the Board of Supervisors shall act upon the formation application of a fire company or a request for continued operation of a fire company. The decision of the Board of Supervisors shall be final.
(Ord. 4022, passed - -2007)