County Fire outlines transition plan if Cal Fire contract shifts in South County; volunteers, station access and staffing top concerns

Santa Clara County Fire and county staff told the Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee on March 20 that they are preparing for a potential transition of fire services in South Santa Clara County that could begin July 1 if the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approves a reorganization.

The report responds to a Board of Supervisors direction from Jan. 14 to initiate an application to LAFCO and examines community outreach, volunteer Company 70 concerns, a transition advisory council, the Amador agreement for year‑round service at the Pacheco station, station access in South County and impacts to CAL FIRE personnel currently staffing the South County Fire District.

County staff said the timeline for any change hinges on LAFCO but that County Fire is preparing operationally for a July 1 start date. “I think that’s dependent on LAFCO’s direction, but we are preparing as if it is July 1,” said Suwanna Gurgal, identified in the presentation as fire chief for the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District.

Why this matters

If LAFCO approves the reorganization,…