El Segundo Fire Department
Home Fire MenuSuppression Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Business Resources
We’re here to serve and ready to assist your business with:
- Emergency fire and medical response
- Assistance with pre-fire planning
- Evacuation planning
- Office safety and fire extinguisher training for employees
- Emergency preparedness planning
- Annual fire and safety inspections
We also provide guidance on environmental programs to help you comply with various requirements through consultation or guidance documents. Inspections are conducted on a routine basis to reduce environmental hazards through education and engineering. Our personnel are familiar with each operation and can suggest rational and economical solutions to assist you with compliance.
- Extinguishers are required at a place of business based on the type of potential hazard that exists. The minimum rating for an office with normal combustibles is: 2A: 10B:C and is usually a five-pound dry chemical type fire extinguisher.
- Sandbags are provided for businesses and residents of the City by calling 310-524-2709 and are available at the City Maintenance Facility, located at 150 Illinois Street. This office is open Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fire alarm systems in commercial properties and apartment buildings require annual testing by an approved and licensed company.
For Residents:
Pack the items for safe transportation and head over to the City of Los Angeles, Permanent Collection Center. The Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Hyperion Treatment Plant, 7660 West Imperial Hwy., Gate B, Playa Del Rey. For more information visit the City of Los Angeles, Public Works Department or call (800) 988-6942.
Los Angeles County sponsors HHW Collections Events. A Collection Event is a one -day, drive-through event where residents are invited to drive in to a specific location to drop off their hazardous waste. The El Segundo event is held each November at Raytheon Corporation, Parking Lot “G” Hughes Way off Sepulveda Blvd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information visit the Los Angeles County Public Works Department or call (888) CleanLA.
For Small Businesses:
Some small businesses may qualify to dispose of HHW at a City of Los Angeles, S.A.F.E. Center. Consult with the El Segundo CUPA to determine if you qualify prior to calling the City of LA Sanitation Dept at (213) 485-2260 to make an appointment for the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
To locate an e-waste recycler visit eRecycle.orgRead about L.A. Sanitation's S.A.F.E. Centers and Mobile Collections Events
It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground.
Community Resources
- Yes. We welcome visitors and would be happy to show you around the station. To arrange an individual or group tour, please fill out the Fire Station visit request form.
- Contact the American Red Cross (ARC) or the American Heart Association (AHA) for class information. Local chapters include American Red Cross Torrance and American Heart Association Los Angeles. The El Segundo Fire Department also hosts a yearly Super CPR Open House.
- California Highway Patrol takes the lead on assistance with installing child safety seats. Please visit the California Highway Patrol website for more information.
For Residents:
Pack the items for safe transportation and head over to the City of Los Angeles, Permanent Collection Center. The Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Hyperion Treatment Plant, 7660 West Imperial Hwy., Gate B, Playa Del Rey. For more information visit the City of Los Angeles, Public Works Department or call (800) 988-6942.
Los Angeles County sponsors HHW Collections Events. A Collection Event is a one -day, drive-through event where residents are invited to drive in to a specific location to drop off their hazardous waste. The El Segundo event is held each November at Raytheon Corporation, Parking Lot “G” Hughes Way off Sepulveda Blvd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information visit the Los Angeles County Public Works Department or call (888) CleanLA.
For Small Businesses:
Some small businesses may qualify to dispose of HHW at a City of Los Angeles, S.A.F.E. Center. Consult with the El Segundo CUPA to determine if you qualify prior to calling the City of LA Sanitation Dept at (213) 485-2260 to make an appointment for the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
To locate an e-waste recycler visit eRecycle.orgRead about L.A. Sanitation's S.A.F.E. Centers and Mobile Collections Events
It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground.
- The El Segundo Fire Department uses a variety of ways to educate the public about fires. We utilize information booths at community events, hold a yearly open house at the Fire Station and issue fire safety publications for the public. We have "Sparky," our Dalmatian dog, that helps us at events and schools to teach "stop, drop and roll" and "learn not to burn." We also promote smoke detector usage in the home.
Emergency Operations
- Our dispatch center can be contacted directly for faster routing to our department when dialing 911 via cell phone. South Bay Regional Communications: (310) 219-7303
- When you dial 9-1-1 you will speak with a dispatcher. The dispatcher will determine what apparatus and personnel need to be dispatched to handle your specific emergency.
Depending on the situation, Police, Fire or Police and Fire may be dispatched. Police are dispatched to situations involving robbery, assault, public nuisance, domestic disputes and traffic collisions. Fire is dispatched to medical emergencies, fires-actual or suspected, hazardous materials spills or releases and traffic collisions, if injuries are suspected. Fire and Police may respond together for hazardous materials incidents and traffic accidents.
The City of El Segundo is divided into two districts for fire response with Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) as the dividing line.
- Station 1 handles calls west of PCH
- Station 2 handles calls east of PCH
Depending on the nature or size of the alarm, units may cross over into the other district and coordinate resources to assist. When an alarm to any address with serious consequences to life or property exists, all units in the city will respond.
El Segundo participates in Mutual or Automatic Aid Agreements with our surrounding cities (Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.)
In the event of an emergency or major emergency, we can call on neighboring agencies for assistance. If we need additional resources, we can receive them from within the county, from other counties, within the state and outside the state depending on our needs. The mutual aid system can provide us with all the resources we need to handle any emergency.
- No. When an incident requires us to send out our engine companies for an extended period to help battle a large fire, for example, we recall Firefighters to staff the reserve fire equipment.
Fire Extinguishers
- A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A10BC on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home and will often be labeled A-B-C. It is recommended that an extinguisher be installed in the kitchen and in the garage.
If the pressure gauge needle is in the green, practice using the fire extinguisher in an open area.
Remember the PASSword:
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep the nozzleOnce you are done, sweep up the fire extinguishing chemical powder and put it in the trash. It is not hazardous for trash collection. If the pressure gauge needle is in the red, squeeze the handle in an open area until no gas comes out, then place in the trash.
Expired fire extinguishers are accepted at the City of Los Angeles' five permanent collection centers (including Playa del Rey).
The Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Hyperion Treatment Plant, 7660 West Imperial Hwy., Gate B, Playa del Rey.
To learn more, visit the City of Los Angeles, Public Works Department or call 800-988-6942
Use the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin. It’s in place to prevent accidental discharge.
- Aim at the base of the fire. This is the where the fuel is.
- Squeeze the lever. Release to stop.
- Sweep from side to side until all flames are extinguished. Watch for any re-igniting and repeat as necessary.
Always call the Fire Department in the event of a fire — even if you think you have extinguished it successfully.
Disposable fire extinguishers cannot be recharged. Plan on replacing them every 10 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be disposed of and replaced if they show any of the following:
- Missing inspection tag
- Broken or missing pin
- Broken or loose handle
- Clogged nozzle
- Damage to the exterior shell
- Fails hydrostatic testing
Firefighter Recruitment
- If you are prepared for the challenges, serving your community as a firefighter is a rewarding occupation. Fire departments often have a need to fill civilian positions in addition to the demand for trained uniformed personnel. Voluntary reserve or auxiliary firefighter programs are a great place to begin.
While El Segundo does not have a reserve/auxiliary program, other local departments have reserve/auxiliary programs where valuable job training in the fire service is available.
Since each fire department has its own, specific requirements, you will need to contact the department you are interested in for further information.
- El Camino Community College offers program degrees and certification in fire and emergency technology. The fire and emergency technology program prepares students for entry-level employment and job upgrades in fire services and emergency medical fields. For information, contact El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance CA 90506. I-800-ELCAMINO.
Safety in the home
- Call 911 first. You may also call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-876-4766.
Thank you for asking! Mostly it comes down to using common sense.
Here are some easy things you can do to help prevent fires:
- Install smoke alarms and check them regularly.
- Have a fire extinguisher available – at least one per floor.
- Avoid overloading power points.
- Switch off appliances when not in use.
- Check electrical equipment for frayed cords.
- Keep kids away from matches and lighters.
- Inspect central heating and air-conditioning units annually.
- Check that windows open easily and keep paths clear.
- Protect youngsters by covering outlets with safety covers.
Living Room
- Place a screen in front of open fires.
- Clean your chimney or flue once a year.
- Keep portal heaters away from curtains.
- Ensure electrical equipment has enough air circulation.
- Never candles or incense burners unattended.
Kitchen
Exercise caution when cooking. Most fires start in the kitchen.
- Always have a fire extinguisher available.
- Make an escape plan.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Be aware of clothing – no loose sleeves.
- Avoid using sprays or liquid cleaners near hot surfaces.
Bedroom
- Never run electrical wires under rugs.
- Ensure lamps and nightlights do not touch bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics.
- Use caution when using electric blankets.
Garage
- Store flammable liquids safely.
- Never let kids use appliances without supervision.
- Clean rain gutters regularly.
- The Fire Department cannot pick up household hazardous materials or store them at the fire station. Household hazardous materials must be disposed of by taking them to a local countywide roundup location. For information and a schedule of upcoming dates and sites visit the L.A. County Department of Public Works Hazardous Waste website.
- El Segundo residents and businesses can obtain sandbags at the City Maintenance Facility, located at 150 Illinois Street. Hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Call 310-524-2709 to reserve sandbags.
- The City of El Segundo does not permit the burning of trash, rubbish, grass, or leaves.
We may recommend "sheltering-in-place" by going indoors and tightly shutting all windows and doors. Air conditioners and heaters must be shut down to prevent entry of harmful chemicals.
By subscribing to our free emergency alerts you can receive timely updates advising you of the hazardous condition and when it is safe to go outdoors again. Sign up now.
- A UL-listed, relocatable power strip is the only allowable extension cord device that may be used either in a business or residence. Please note that power strips are not designed for high-power loads such as space heaters, refrigerators and microwave ovens, that can easily exceed the recommended ampere ratings on many power strips.
- California Highway Patrol takes the lead on assistance with installing child safety seats. Please visit the California Highway Patrol website for more information.
- Address numbers must be a minimum of 4-inches in height for residential buildings, 6-inches for commercial and retail buildings and 12-inches in height for industrial buildings. The address must be posted on the alley side of the building. The address numbers must be visible from the street and/or alley and need to be a contrasting color to the building.
Smoke Detectors
How many smoke detectors do I need in my home to provide adequate protection for my family and where do I install them?
You should have at least one smoke detector in each bedroom, the hallway and at the top of all stairways. Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall approximately six to eight inches below the ceiling. Do not install a smoke detector within three feet of any device that might blow the smoke away. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens or other areas that generate steam that can sometimes activate smoke detectors and cause a false alarm.- A battery-operated smoke detector available at hardware or home stores is sufficient. Be sure to test the batteries monthly and change them once a year.
How do I know if my smoke detector is working properly? How long do batteries last in a smoke detector?
We recommend testing your smoke detector monthly. This is done in two ways and either method should work.
- Push the test button.
- Blow out a candle and hold the smoke up to the detector.
Batteries can last up to one year. Usually the smoke detector provides an audible signal (a chirp) when the batteries become weak.
Suppression
- A team of 14 Firefighters remains on duty, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Firefighter units are staffed at two stations in the City of El Segundo. There is one fire engine, one Paramedic unit and one Battalion Chief at Fire Station 1 and one fire engine, one fire truck and one Paramedic unit at Fire Station 2.
We train, maintain, educate and prepare. Fire suppression is only part of a Firefighter's duties. First, we’re responsible for the care and upkeep of the equipment, tools, and technology used in fighting fires. Our gear is always kept in top condition and ready for any type of incident.
Maintenance of equipment is vitally important to the fire service. Our equipment and quarters are maintained to the highest standards. This not only assures us of proper operating conditions, but also helps us maintain readiness.
Our skills need to be practiced regularly to maintain a high level of preparedness and effectiveness. We participate in ongoing training sessions for an average of two hours per day to sharpen our skills with all aspects of firefighting techniques.
We are constantly trained in new methods of various types of emergency preparedness, including an annual training program to keep up with changes in procedures and equipment.
Firefighters also conduct annual inspections of all businesses within the City to ensure they meet standards for safety. Additionally, we reach out to the community to provide public education about fire safety.
A rescue ambulance with two Firefighter/Paramedics and an engine with three Firefighters are dispatched for most medical emergencies.
The additional staffing is often needed for moving a patient, providing CPR compressions and/or ventilation, controlling the scene, assisting with multiple victims, collecting information, such as medical history or allergies, or to stabilize a scene, control a vehicle, or provide safety to patients and Firefighters.
All our Firefighters are EMT-1 trained. If the Firefighters arrive on the scene prior to the Paramedics, they can begin basic life support. With backup from the Firefighters, Paramedics can concentrate fully on the victim or victims, from administering IVs or medicines, defibrillating and establishing airways, to communicating with the base-station hospital for treatment orders.
An engine or fire truck is dispatched with the Rescue Ambulance whenever it appears that additional assistance is needed. Paramedics work as a two-person team and will have their hands full with any emergency call.
Our Firefighters are also trained as Paramedics and if necessary, can provide care before the ambulance arrives. The engine company personnel are part of that team and assist in setting up equipment, loading patients, and all phases of emergency medical duties.
- Depending upon the nature and seriousness of your injury or illness, emergency department saturation status, if the other facilities will accept you, we may transport you to a local hospital of your choice (within reason).
No fee is charged for the Fire Department to respond to an emergency.
The only fees charged are for ambulance transportation to a hospital in an emergency. The cost of emergency ambulance transportation to a hospital may be recovered from the patient’s insurance provider, the patient, or both. See transport billing for more information.
The El Segundo Fire Department is equipped and ready to respond to any medical emergency.
- Two paramedic rescue ambulances are on duty 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
- All Firefighters are trained to the Emergency Medical Technician level (EMT-1) and 15 Firefighters are trained Paramedics.
- ESFD has two state-of-the-art ambulances with updated equipment.
- Our ambulances are staffed with two Paramedics on each and have full transportation capability.
- Each fire engine and the fire truck have Automated External Defibrillators (A.E.D.s) on board in addition to the Paramedics full-function defibrillators.
- The refinery and other chemical operations are closely monitored by the City's Environmental Safety Division to maintain Federal, State and local compliance.
El Segundo firefighters work rotating shifts. We’re on-duty for 48 hours, then off for 96 hours. This type of schedule requires us to stay at the Fire Station and be ready to respond at any time during our shift. A call might come in at any time, and we’re often woken during the night to respond. Additionally, 24-hour shifts are the most cost-effective method of providing the community with emergency medical services and fire suppression.