Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Colton Fire Department to protect life, property, and the environment in order to preserve and improve the quality of life of those we serve.
Vision Statement
The Fire Department will provide comprehensive emergency services to our citizens, visitors, and employees. We will cultivate leaders at all levels of the Department through education, training, and high ethical standards. We will treat others as we would want to be treated.
Core Values
These are the core values we have chosen to hold which form the foundation on which we perform work and conduct ourselves. These values underlie our work, how we interact with each other, and which strategies we employ to fulfill our mission. They are the practices we use every day in everything we do.
We believe in:
•Putting the Community First; it is the spirit that guides all actions of the Fire Department
•The safety of our citizens and personnel – above all interests
•Providing not only emergency care but also personal care and services
•Excelling in the delivery of our fundamental services: fire suppression and emergency medical services
•Mentoring our members through excellent leadership at all levels of the organization
•Strengthening local, regional and intergovernmental partnerships to provide services beyond our local ability
•Maintaining the organizational culture of trust, respect, and efficiency through the mutual cooperation of labor and management
•Ensuring transparent stewardship of the public’s trust, resources, and expectations
•Respecting contributions of past generations while embracing innovation
MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF
Welcome to the Colton Fire Department’s (CFD) website.
The CFD vision statement is:
“The Fire Department will provide comprehensive emergency services to our citizens, visitors, and employees. We will cultivate leaders at all levels of the Department through education, training, and high ethical standards. We will treat all others as we would want to be treated.”
Our first core value is:
“Putting the Community First; it is the spirit that guides all actions of the Fire Department “
It is my honor to serve the citizens of Colton as their Fire Chief. Our vision and core values reflect on what we want to be and what we value. Each of our firefighters and staff strive to serve our community to the best of our abilities. We realize that every shift we interact with our residents and visitors in some of their greatest times of need; this is a humbling honor we do not take for granted.
The Colton Fire Department (CFD) was formed on November 21, 1889 and currently serves a population of 54,828 people in the 16-square mile city out of four strategically located fire stations. There are currently 41 full-time firefighters, one Executive Assistant, two volunteers, and one contract Physician Medical Director who staff the department. In 2018 the department responded to over 7,200 calls for service dispatched through the Confire Joint Powers Agency Dispatch. CFD deploys three Type-I engines and a Truck that each are staffed by one Captain, one Engineer, and one Firefighter Paramedic; one Battalion Chief is on-duty per day and one Fire Marshal. Colton has provided Paramedic Advanced Life Support to its citizens as one of the first paramedic providers in San Bernardino County since July 1975.
Colton Fire is a thriving Department with a rich culture that goes back more than 125 years. We are active partners with surrounding communities and respond as part of a robust mutual aid system. Over the past few years we have seen many retirements and have recruited new Firefighters, promoted new Engineers and Captains, and are currently preparing to promote a new Battalion Chief. These new recruits and promotions represent an exciting time for CFD as we introduce new faces and innovations to our Department. Our Fire Marshal has been busy over the last year assuring that inspections, plan checks, and other prevention activities are completed in a time of increased growth and construction in Colton. Disaster Preparedness, grants, and Community Emergency Response Teams are an on-going focus. The Fire Explorer Program is a priority for us and we to try to hire from those ranks. We continue to work jointly with the Loma Linda Fire Department, sharing Command Staff resources.
The Fire Department is in process of implementing industry best practices for cancer prevention of our firefighters. This includes particulate resistant flash hoods, second sets of turnouts, extractor washing machines, and other engineering practices. We have a new grant funded fire engine ready to be delivered. Staff will be writing a new Strategic Plan this year, and we look forward to planning our path forward over the next five years.
Colton Fire Department will continue to function as a partner with our community and we look forward to maintaining exceptional service to our residents, visitors, and neighbors.
Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns at 909-370-5100.
Sincerely,
Tim McHargue, Fire Chief
FACEBOOK NEWS
Twenty-Two years ago this tragedy struck the United States. This only makes us stronger. United We Stand! ... See MoreSee Less

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Mark the Date on Your Calendar! Your Colton Firefighters will hosting their Annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast on October 14th from 0900-1200. Enjoy breakfast and get to know your local firefighters. ... See MoreSee Less

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Christine Vega-Valadez LeRoy Valadez II
Do you have a Photo Booth
Colton Community Services has opened the Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Avenue for residents. Gonzales Center provides shelter and offers the ability to charge phones and other devices.
Sat, 9/2 until 9 pm, and Sunday 9/3 from 10 am to 6 pm. 909 370 6153.
Find more information at ow.ly/R8LT50PHaRC
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The Gonzales Center is open for anyone seeking a Cooling Center. ... See MoreSee Less

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Colton Fire is on scene of a small duplex fire in the 200 block of E. G St. First arriving units found smoke coming from a secured residence. Fire crews forced entry, conducted a search, located and terminated the fire in the kitchen. Red Cross was called out to assist displaced residents. #coltonfire #coltonfiredepartment #coltonfirefighters ... See MoreSee Less


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Congratulations Jason Buchan for successfully completing the testing portion of your probationary period. Jason came to us from CalFire and had condensed testing process. He was awarded his firefighter leather shield for his helmet. Great job and keep up the strong work. #firefighter #rookie #chiefmiller #colton #coltonfiredepartment #coltonfirefighters ... See MoreSee Less




8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations and May God protect and all the rest of you firefighters.
Congratulations! 👏👏👏
Congratulations Jason! The best career ever!!
Congratulations 🎊
Out standing!
Congratulations!
🔵 **Urgent Announcement: Cooling Center Open** 🔵
Important Update: Due to the ongoing power outage affecting our area, we've set up a **Cooling Center** to provide relief from the heat and discomfort. We understand how tough it can be without electricity, especially in hot weather.
**Cooling Center Details:**
📍 Location: Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Avenue, 909 370 6153
⏰ Operating Hours: Now Open until Power is restored.
Whether you're looking for a place to cool off, charge your devices, do homework, or simply relax, our Cooling Center is here for you. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we're dedicated to making this situation a little easier for everyone.
Electric Crews are working to get the power back up and running ASAP. In the meantime, swing by the Cooling Center if you or your loved ones need a break from the heat.
#ColtonCSD #connect #communitystrong #StayCool #poweroutagerelief
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Thank you very much for this 🙏🏽
OES6601 was released from Eugene, OR and is now working the floods in Forest Falls, CA. Strike Team 6829F is made up of five units and a leader from the local area proudly serving communities in need. ... See MoreSee Less



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As a tropical storm Hillary approaches our area, we want to remind our community on how to report storm damage.
☎️For emergencies such as downed power lines, call 911.
☎️To report downed trees or other large debris in the roadway, please call City of Colton Police Department, non-emergency line at 909 370 5000
☎️To report non-emergency damage, such as downed trees (not in the road), traffic signals, street light outages, call 909 370 5065.
💻To report power outages, use the online tool at Electric Grid Outage Map | Colton, CA - Official Website
📨To report damaged or downed Military Banners, please e-mail us at [email protected].
As a reminder, City staff are unable to see or respond to resident initiated posts on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram or Nextdoor.
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All Colton Community Services Programs and Facilities will be CLOSED, Monday, August 21. This includes Libraries, Community Centers, Senior & Teen Programs, and ECE Sites. The Emergency Shelter will remain open until noon, 8/21. Programs will resume Tuesday, 8/22. ... See MoreSee Less

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DRIVING REMINDERS
🚩Avoid travel if possible and drive safely if you have to go out. Take your time and err on the side of caution. Remember to drive with your lights on in the rain to increase safety and visibility to others.
🚩 Conditions can change quickly, so please check road conditions at before you go, and be prepared for deteriorating conditions as you travel.
🚩 Turn Around, Don’t Drown. It doesn’t take much moving water to sweep a vehicle away, and flood waters can hide roadway damage.
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Where’s Mission?
Traffic Hazard - Intersections closed due to Flooding.
☑️West Valley Blvd & Sycamore Avenue
☑️Pepper Avenue (both directions) at Blue Drive
Please use alternate route for your safety.
8/20 @ 4:30pm
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Flooding ALERT at Valley & Sperry.
Please avoid the area and take the "turn around, don't drown" perspective and find another way. If possible, stay home and stay safe.
8/20/2023 @ 1:40 pm
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Weather update from the National Weather service, Hillary is advancing North bringing continuous rain to Southern California even as it shows signs of weakening, it is essential to member that the forecast for heavy rain and severe flooding remain steady throughout the Sunday into Monday.
Thanks to County OES, we have secured 2000 sand bags(empty). They are available to Colton Residents at the Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Avenue, 909 370 6153. Limited to 15 per address, first come, first served.
A good option is using dirt from around your home to fill sandbags. It works just as well and you can replace it afterwards. It is a good sustainable way to reuse the bags. If you can’t pick up bags, plastic or trash bags with dirt can be used as an alternative.
Due to the high demand for sand and sandbags, we, like you, are having difficulty sourcing materials. Over the past 48 hours the city has provided 34 tons of sand and over 2500 sandbags to residents.
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The City of Colton will open a temporary shelter to support people who do not have any other shelter plans during this unprecedented weather event opening at 6pm through Monday.
GONZALES COMMUNITY CENTER
670 Colton Avenue
909 370 6153
Colton Community Services will offer the temporary shelter, complete with basic health amenities, restrooms, cooling zone, personal hygiene kits, simple snacks/drinks, water, and a dedicated space for people with pets.
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8/19/2023 - 2:30 update
ALL City locations are out of sand/bags due to high demand. City staff are doing everything they can to find more, but demand is high throughout area. Check back for updates.
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank You for your service Colton FireDepartment
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE COLTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR PUTTING SADBAGS TOGETHER US GOD BLESS TO ALL COLTON FIRE DEPARTMENTS 👨🚒
Thank you, for your hard work.
Do you have sand to fill up bags ??
Southern California is expected to experience a major storm beginning Sunday evening, with heavy rain and wind. To prepare for the storm, it is recommended to clear your property of any loose debris, clear drains and gutters, and avoid driving in these conditions if possible. The peak of the storm is expected to occur during the Monday morning commute. ... See MoreSee Less

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City of Colton Fire Will sand bags be available?
Do you guys have sand bags available for the public??
Petra Ramirez
Are there places set up for unhoused people in our community to seek shelter during the storm? Is anyone doing outreach to make sure they clear out of the riverbeds, etc?
OES6601 with a crew of three, are currently en-route to Eugene Oregon to assist with the many wildfires. They are part of a #CalOES Type Six Strike Team assignment. They are anticipated to be gone for at least two weeks. Stay safe brothers. ... See MoreSee Less

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Prayers & stay safe
Be safe guys! 🚒
Stay safe!
My son is on the Bedrock fire outside of Eugene. My grandpa, his great-grandpa, was fire chief in Colton during the late 70’s- early 80’s. My son is named Colton in honor of that part of our family’s history.
We are heartbroken over yesterday’s tragic air craft incident in Cabazon involving a Cal Fire helicopter. Tragically, three individual lost their life. Two were identified as Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof and Captain Tim Rodriquez and contract pilot, Tony Souza. Our condolences go out to all of the families along with our Brothers and Sisters CAL FIRE Riverside L2881. ... See MoreSee Less

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Our deepest condolences to both families. Thank you for all you do. Rest in peace 🙏 💙🇺🇸💙
Awe that's terrible : 🔴kve.so/hp2 Some viewers may find the following story disturbing
Please welcome our three new Firefighter Paramedics that started their 10 day orientation with us today.
From left to right is Daniel Ordaz who was previously an Ambulance Operator with Rialto Fire. Nick Araiza who comes to us from Cal-Fire RRU, where he worked as a Firefighter Paramedic and Darin Gutierrez who worked as a Paramedic with AMR. Best of luck to you gentlemen!
#bestjobintheworld #probationaryfirefighter
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11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! Welcome to the Colton Family!
Congrats
Congratulations on your new assignment and thankyou for your service!!!
Congratulations 🎉 and thank you for your service!!!
Congratulations 🎉
Thank You!!
Welcome welcome 💕
Welcome boys!
Congratulations, to you all and thank you for your service!
Congratulations!
Last night we had the pleasure of attending National Night Out at Fleming Park. The City of Colton put on a wonderful event. ... See MoreSee Less




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Come out and support and/or ride in the West Coast National EMS Memorial Ride this September. You can ride a single day event or all six days. Each ride is unique, challenging and in many cases, beautiful! There will be a group of riders honoring Colton Fire Departments late Captain David Lodarski. Hoping for a great West Coast showing. Please share. ... See MoreSee Less

1 CommentComment on Facebook
Good luck in the race City of Colton Fire! Be safe!
Congratulations Luis Vejar on successfully completing your one-year probation. Last night Luis was awarded his helmet shield indicating full time, regular status along with acceptance into the Colton Fire Dept. and Fire family. ... See MoreSee Less



20 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations
Congratulations!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations 🎈!
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations 🎉🍾
Congratulations 🙏🇺🇲🙏
congrats
🎉🎈Congratulations!🎉🎈🥂🍾
Congratulations and thank you for your service!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations & THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ♥️ 🙏
Congratulaciones🎉and thank you for your services!!!
Congratulations to you for your accomplishments. Wishing you a safe career thank you for your service.
Congratulations to you young man 🎉
Congrats to you Luis.
Congratulations
Felicidades 🙌 wow Dios lo cuide y siga adelante 🙏
The City of Colton is thrilled to announce the Grand Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Downtown Colton Paseo and sincerely hope you can join us in celebrating this achievement.
Wednesday, July 26 at 5:00 p.m. See attached flyer for details.
This state-funded project has been a labor of collaboration, and commitment, aimed at enhancing the lives of everyone in Colton. It represents the culmination of hard work, thoughtful planning, and the shared vision of a better future.
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Congratulations to Engineer Mike Chidester on successfully completing his one year probation with us. This evening he received his helmet shield indicating complete acceptance into our department and Fire family. Congratulations Mike! ... See MoreSee Less




16 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations 👏👏
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Mike
That's awesome! Congratulations!
That's awesome! Congratulations!
Congratulations 👏👏👏 Best job in the fire service
That's awesome! Congratulations!
God bless all firefighters amen
Congratulations🎉🎉
Congratulations! Best FD you could be working for, bar none <3
Congratulations 👏👏
Awesome! Congratulations! The old guy giving his badge isn’t bad either!😂😂
Congratulations son, so proud of all the hard work and dedication you put in!
Rocky McMorris
Promotion has a year probation? WOW!
The Gonzalez Community Center is serving as a cooling center today if you need to get out of the heat. Stay cool and hydrated! ... See MoreSee Less

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ME213 is currently assigned to Strike Team 6220A at the Rabbit Fire in Riverside County. ... See MoreSee Less




12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Prayers for everyone affected
Be safe out there! Prayers for all🙏
Stay safe guys!!! My mom’s house is out there. I’m in Reche Canyon. We so appreciate all that you do!!
Thank you ..
Be safe! 🙏
Prayers to everyone fighting the fires
Be safe City of Colton Fire. Stay hydrated!
🙏🙏🙏
Be safe City of Colton Fire and my nephew
Be safe guys.
Stay safe!!
🙏🏽🧑🏽🚒🙏🏽👨🚒🙏🏽
Smoke in Reche Canyon from a fire in Riverside County. No threat to Colton at this time. Reche Canyon is closed to Moreno Valley. ... See MoreSee Less
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Oh no- that’s Sonjias area.
Thank you Firecracker for stopping by to visit all four of our fire stations today. We really appreciate your kind words, enthusiasm and the flags you provided our members with. ... See MoreSee Less


1 CommentComment on Facebook
I love firecracker! I’m so happy she was able to stop by! She brings so much joy everywhere she goes!
Wishing everyone out there a Happy Independence Day! Enjoy your family and friends time, but please be safe and responsible. ... See MoreSee Less

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PHYSICAL/MAILING ADDRESS
303 East “E” Street
Colton, CA 92324
BUSINESS HOURS / CONTACT INFO
Monday – Thursday:
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Phone: (909) 370-5100
Fax: (909) 370-6146