IAFF Local 935, is a labor organization that represents the men and women of the San Bernardino County , Big Bear City , Big Bear Lake, Colton, Loma Linda , and Montclair Fire Departments. Its members are dedicated to the protection and safety of the Communities they serve. The firefighters of Local 935 are committed to the well being of the public through our humanitarian efforts, donations, and events.
For more information, Visit:
https://www.iafflocal935.org/community
Staffing Progress in the Corridor - But More Work Ahead
Fire Station 53, located in Baker along the I-15 corridor, serves as a critical lifeline for tens of thousands of travelers, commercial drivers, and residents navigating one of the most remote and hazardous stretches of…
Nine Patients Transported from I-15 Traffic Incident North of Baker
County Fire responded to a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 this morning, commanding a scene that ultimately led to nine patients transported to regional hospitals, including four by…
REALITY UNDER PRESSURE: FIRE OPS 101 DELIVERS AN INSIDE LOOK
On June 6th, elected officials, county dignitaries and staff, and special guests from across San Bernardino County experienced Fire Ops 101 at the Richard Sewell Training Center in San Bernardino. Fire Ops 101 is a…
Medical Calls
Fires
Public Assists
Suppression Personnel
Staffing Progress in the Corridor - But More Work Ahead
Fire Station 53, located in Baker along the I-15 corridor, serves as a critical lifeline for tens of thousands of travelers, commercial drivers, and residents navigating one of the most remote and hazardous stretches of San Bernardino County. For decades, the station operated under extreme conditions, minimal staffing, limited resources, and call volumes that routinely exceeded available support. At one point, staffing was as low as two personnel, with jail-based inmate crews used to supplement fire suppression.
Last year, the station took an important step forward. Medic Engine 53 is now staffed with four full-time personnel: a captain, engineer, firefighter, and firefighter-paramedic. This enhanced staffing allows for a more effective response to complex incidents such as truck fires, mass casualty traffic collisions, and multi-patient medical emergencies. It also provides the flexibility for one crew member to respond the water tender while still maintaining three personnel on the engine, improving operational coverage across vast, rural terrain.
Despite these gains, significant challenges remain. Station 53 is responsible for approximately 4,000 square miles, over 130 miles of freeway, and hundreds of miles of railroad tracks that carry hazardous materials daily. It borders federal land with limited seasonal fire coverage from the National Park Service and BLM, neither of which provide all-risk or paramedic-level response. This area sees extreme temperatures, high-volume holiday traffic, and complex incidents ranging from mass-casualty vehicle accidents and hazmat spills to wildland fires and derailments. Extended response times from the next-closest staffed fire resources often exceed 60 minutes.
Mutual aid support from nearby federal and out of state agencies like Barstow MCLB Fire and Clark County Fire is appreciated but inconsistent and unreimbursed. This reliance on outside help reinforces the need for San Bernardino County to meet its own public safety responsibilities by further investing in staffing and infrastructure along the I-15 and I-40 corridors.
The recent addition of a fourth firefighter on ME53 is a positive milestone, but it’s only one piece of a larger solution. Additional staffing and strategic station placement, such as potential coverage at Harvard Road along I-15 or developing solutions for the I-40 corridor must be explored. The region’s sparse population and low tax base may limit funding, but the safety needs driven by major highways, critical transportation routes, and daily hazardous materials traffic cannot be ignored. Dirt and brush may not pay taxes, but they carry liability when fire, injury, or disaster strikes.
Local 935 continues to advocate for additional staffing and long term infrastructure support to meet the fire and EMS demands of this critical corridor. Each year must build on the progress made. Public safety across this expansive region should be measured not just by square miles but by readiness, reliability, and response. ... See MoreSee Less
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REALITY UNDER PRESSURE: FIRE OPS 101 DELIVERS AN INSIDE LOOK
On June 6th, elected officials, county dignitaries and staff, and special guests from across San Bernardino County experienced Fire Ops 101 at the Richard Sewell Training Center in San Bernardino. Fire Ops 101 is a collaborative effort between the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and Local 935, designed to give participants a first-hand look at the complex and demanding work of firefighter-paramedics in the field.
The day began with a dynamic medical scenario featuring a simulated cardiac event that progressed into full cardiac arrest. Participants observed the critical series of actions performed by firefighter-paramedics to stabilize the patient, including early recognition of myocardial infarction, defibrillation, and high-performance CPR, all aimed at preserving heart function and reducing the risk of permanent brain damage. Our members demonstrated essential procedures such as intubation, medication administration, mechanical CPR deployment, scene control, documentation, and family interaction, underscoring the importance of quick response and well-trained personnel in achieving positive patient outcomes.
Attendees then transitioned to a simulated multi-patient traffic collision, where engine and truck companies performed vehicle stabilization, patient care, and auto extrication using hydraulic tools. The scenario reinforced the coordinated effort required to manage rescue operations safely and effectively, highlighting the importance of appropriate staffing and tools to handle complex emergencies.
Following the field simulations, our members provided a visual demonstration of a commercial structure fire response. This evolution included fire attack, forcible entry, vertical ventilation, search and rescue operations, and incident command functions, allowing attendees to observe the scale of coordinated efforts required in a working fire and the critical tasks assigned to each crew.
After watching the demonstration, attendees suited up in full turnouts and self-contained breathing apparatus to enter the burn simulator. Inside, they faced intense heat, zero-visibility smoke conditions, and the physical demands of interior firefighting, experiencing what our members encounter on structure fires across the county.
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District covers over 19,278 square miles, making it the largest fire district in the continental United States. With 50 staffed fire stations, our members respond to over 127,000 emergency calls annually. These calls range from medical emergencies and traffic collisions to wildland and structure fires. The job carries significant long-term health risks, including elevated exposure to cancer-causing toxins and increased susceptibility to cardiac events, both leading causes of firefighter fatalities.
Fire Ops 101 strengthens the partnership between the Fire District and Local 935 by offering decision-makers a clearer understanding of the demands, risks, and responsibilities involved in modern fire and EMS service. By stepping into our world for a day, participants gained perspective on the vital importance of properly staffed engines and trucks, early ALS interventions, and the investment required to support public safety across such a vast and diverse region.
Local 935 thanks all attendees for their participation and commitment to better understanding the fire service. You didn’t just watch the work, you felt the heat.
#FireOps101 #Local935 #SBCoFD #CommunitySafety #FirefighterHealth #EMS #PublicSafety #Local935 #SBCoFD ... See MoreSee Less
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#photooftheday #FilePhoto: Firefighters from #SBCoFD responded to a reported vehicle fire in the community of Adelanto. Crews arrived to find a well involved motorhome quickly spreading to surrounding vegetation . Crews worked quickly to contain the fire prevent spread to surrounding vegetation. #throwback
SERVICE • PROFESSIONALISM • DEDICATION
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Website: www.iafflocal935.org
X (Twitter): @SBCoFFLocal935
Instagram: @Local935
Facebook: @Local935
YouTube: San Bernardino Co FFs
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The San Bernardino County Firefighters Benevolent Foundation is collecting donations to support the family of Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Spandrio, who passed away off duty.
All funds donated through $SBCFBF will go directly to his wife and children.
Please consider scanning the QR code or donating via Cash App to help one of our own during this difficult time.
Thank you for supporting our firefighter family. ... See MoreSee Less
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#photooftheday #FilePhoto: Firefighters from #SBCoFD responded to a reported vegetation fire in one of the unincorporated areas of the county in division 5 near Helendale. Crews arrived to find a field that had been set on fire from a homeless encampment that quickly spread to surrounding vegetation . Crews worked quickly to minimize the fire spread . #throwback
SERVICE • PROFESSIONALISM • DEDICATION
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Website: www.iafflocal935.org
X (Twitter): @SBCoFFLocal935
Instagram: @Local935
Facebook: @Local935
YouTube: San Bernardino Co FFs
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#videoclipoftheday 03/23/2025: Arrive on scene with firefighters from Squad 222 in the City of San Bernardino as they set up initial actions at a working garage fire attached to a single-story, single-family home.
In the video, initial tasks can be seen as hose lines and equipment are pulled and set up to the front door while the first company officer completes a 360° walk-around. As the first company officer provides a size-up of conditions at the curbside, they must then complete a full 360° survey of the home to develop a clear understanding of where the fire is burning, where it may be extending to, and identify any potential hazards, rescues, or other significant factors.
Once that assessment is complete, the company officer typically meets up with their firefighters at the point of entry. During that time, firefighters are deploying equipment and looking for opportunities to transition and cool the fire from the exterior before making entry. This transitional approach significantly reduces flashover potential and limits further fire spread and damage.
As additional engine companies arrive, initial crews will move into the structure, working to contain the fire from uninvolved to involved areas. Truck company firefighters will also coordinate with the fire attack crews to perform vertical ventilation as needed, improving visibility, limiting fire spread, and increasing the viability of conditions inside the home.
Quick arrival and suppression efforts successfully contained the fire to the garage, preventing further extension into the residence. Damage was minimized, and no injuries were reported.
SERVICE • PROFESSIONALISM • DEDICATION
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Website: www.iafflocal935.org
X (Twitter): @SBCoFFLocal935
Instagram: @Local935
Facebook: @Local935
YouTube: San Bernardino Co FFs
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#photooftheday #FilePhoto: Firefighters from #SBCoFD responded to a reported structure fire in the community of Lucerne. . Crews arrived to find a well involved structure that was quickly spreading to surrounding cars, vegetation, and structures. Crews worked quickly to minimize the fire spread, preventing it from reaching surrounding structures and vegetation . #throwback
SERVICE • PROFESSIONALISM • DEDICATION
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Website: www.iafflocal935.org
X (Twitter): @SBCoFFLocal935
Instagram: @Local935
Facebook: @Local935
YouTube: San Bernardino Co FFs
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