Fire Department

Welcome to the Oroville Fire Department Website! The proud men and women of the Oroville Fire Department are committed to providing the highest possible level of Fire & Life Safety Services to our community. We are working hard to plan for and address the needs of a busy fire department and growing community.

Our collaboration as an organization is to ensure the most efficient delivery of services today and into the future. At the foundation of everything we do are our organizational values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Dedication. 


Department History

Historians report Oroville Fire Department was the second formed fire company in the new state of California in 1856, next to Sacramento City Fire Department. The hay wagon fire apparatus carried all available fire equipment of the time. The demands for fire service were presented by the many reasons why people sought out to make a life and their fortunes with gold prospecting. The Feather River cuts through the town site and encouraged the gold mining activity of the time. Further history of Oroville is available from the Butte County Historical Society.

It has been said that after 6 months of use the hay wagon fire apparatus was lost to fire and replaced with miner donations.

The Fire Department has evolved to a professional and volunteer staffed organization. Recently, the City has supported the department with one new engine and one new aerial ladder truck. In the effort of providing the best and efficient service to Oroville’s citizens the department has many partnerships with other agencies for many services. The preservation of Life and Property is enhanced with the Oroville Automatic Aid Agreement with Butte County Fire and California Department of Fire and Forestry.

The response to hazardous materials incidents is facilitated by membership in the Butte County Hazardous Materials Team joint powers agreement. Special technical and water rescue is facilitated by the Butte Interagency Rescue Group. Public Safety Education is enhanced with the Interagency Fire Safety trailer, funded by the local Oroville Kiwanis club. The local Fire Chiefs Association also facilitates fire training, coordination with Emergency Medical Services, interagency fire cause and origin team, and is currently working on local fire master planning.