What Los Angeles County Fire Department does

Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), officially the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (CFPD), is a dependent special district of Los Angeles County government established in 1924 and governed by the County Board of Supervisors under the Fire Protection District Law of 1987. It operates as one of the largest metropolitan emergency services agencies in the United States, delivering fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), lifeguard operations, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials response, and homeland security support across a 2,311-square-mile jurisdiction spanning 60 cities (including La Habra in Orange County) and 120 unincorporated areas serving more than 4.1 million residents and commercial customers.

Service delivery is anchored by 176 fire stations organized into three Regional Operations Bureaus (North, Central, East), supplemented by the Air and Wildland Division (10 firefighting helicopters, 9 wildland Fire Camps, Heavy Equipment Unit), the internationally deployed USA-2 Urban Search and Rescue team (71 members, 6 canine teams), a Lifeguard Division covering 72 miles of coastline across 11 cities, and a 9-1-1 Command and Control dispatch center. EMS accounts for nearly 85% of 9-1-1 responses, supported by 3,200 EMTs and 1,250 paramedics. Core technology infrastructure includes the Pyxis electronic EMS controlled-substances accounting system, the LA-RICS interoperable communications system, and the Genasys Protect emergency-notification platform; Forest-based and Fire Prevention Bureau functions (fuel modification, defensible space, plan review, expedited PV/ESS permitting, CUPA hazardous materials programs) provide regulatory and permitting functions alongside emergency response.

The revenue model is publicly funded through four streams: (1) property-tax allocations across 47 cities, with amounts varying by assessed value; (2) voter-approved special taxes, namely Proposition E (passed June 1997) and Measure E (passed November 2024, beginning at $0.06/sq ft of structural improvements for TY 2025-26 with 2%/CPI escalators); (3) fee-for-service contracts with 13 cities (Azusa, Commerce, Covina, El Monte, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, La Habra, Lynwood, Palos Verdes Estates, Pomona, Vernon) priced at net staffing cost plus overhead, updated annually; and (4) transactional fees for fire prevention permits, inspections, and CUPA hazardous-materials programs. The annual operating budget is approximately $1.8 billion, supporting more than 5,200 emergency responders and business professionals. Distribution is direct-to-public through the fire station and lifeguard network, with no commercial sales motion; outreach is conducted via public education programs (CERT, Hands-Only CPR, Ready! Set! Go!, Water Watcher) and social media channels.

Name

Los Angeles County Fire Department

Legal name

County of Los Angeles Fire Department

Website

https://fire.lacounty.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) is the statutory fire protection and emergency services agency for Los Angeles County, providing fire suppression, EMS, lifeguard, urban search and rescue, and hazardous materials response to over 4.1 million residents across 60 cities and 120 unincorporated areas via 176 fire stations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection and Emergency Services

NAICS

Fire Protection (92216), Fire Protection (922160), Ambulance Services (62191)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Safety Administration (Fire/EMS, Emergency Management) (BPAIACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire & Rescue Services (Fire Suppression, Rescue) (BPAIAGAB), Wildfire Suppression & Incident Response (AFAMAEAE), Firebreak & Defensible Space Construction (AFAMAEAF), Wildfire Risk Assessment, Prevention & Suppression Services (IMAMAJAG)

Keywords

• Fire protection services
• Emergency medical services
• Wildland firefighting
• Urban search rescue
• Lifeguard services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices21 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: Fire District services are funded primarily through a direct allocation of property taxes from all properties within property tax cities served by the Fire District. The amount of property tax revenue generated within a city is based on assessed value and varies from city to city.
2. Voter-Approved Special Taxes: Special tax on all properties within property tax cities, including Proposition E (passed 1997) and Measure E (passed November 2024). These provide dedicated funding for fire protection and emergency services.
3. Fee-for-Service Contracts: Thirteen cities (Azusa, Commerce, Covina, El Monte, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, La Habra, Lynwood, Palos Verdes Estates, Pomona, Vernon) pay annual fees for fire protection services. Fees are based on net cost of staffing levels plus overhead, updated annually.
4. CUPA Permit Fees: Fees for Certified Unified Program Agency services including hazardous waste generator programs, hazardous materials release response plans, Cal-ARP, aboveground and underground storage tank programs. Collected via online payment portal or U.S. mail.
5. Fire Prevention Fees: Fees for plan reviews, field inspections, and permits related to fire prevention and life safety services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, lifeguard, urban search and rescue, air and wildland firefighting, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, forestry/wildfire mitigation, and homeland security services to more than 4.1 million residents and businesses across 60 cities and 120 unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County. Services are delivered through 176 fire stations, with emergency medical calls representing approximately 85 percent of 9-1-1 responses.

Product overview

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) operates as one of the largest metropolitan emergency services agencies in the United States, providing a comprehensive portfolio of firefighting, emergency medical, lifeguard, and specialized rescue services. The Department operates from 176 fire stations serving over 4.1 million residents across 60 cities and 120 unincorporated areas within its 2,311 square-mile jurisdiction. The service portfolio is organized around core emergency response functions including Firefighting Services, Emergency Medical Services (accounting for 85% of 9-1-1 calls), the Lifeguard Division protecting 72 miles of coastline, the internationally deployed Urban Search and Rescue team (USA-2), Air and Wildland Division with 10 firefighting helicopters, and Hazardous Materials Response. Supporting regulatory functions include the Health Hazardous Materials Division (CUPA) administering hazardous waste and materials programs, the Fire Prevention Division handling permits and inspections, and the Forestry Division managing fuel modification and vegetation management. The Department also operates community engagement through CERT Training and career pathway programs for youth and adults.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Firefighting and Fire Suppression Services Traditional fire suppression and emergency response services provided across 176 fire stations serving 60 cities and 120 unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County within its 2,311 square-mile jurisdiction.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Comprehensive emergency medical services including paramedic training, certification, equipment, and quality improvement for all basic and advanced EMS provided by the department. EMS 9-1-1 calls comprise nearly 85 percent of the Department's responses, supported by 3,200 EMTs and 1,250 paramedics.
• Lifeguard Services Water rescue and medical services protecting Catalina Island and 72 miles of sandy beaches and open water across 11 cities. Recognized as one of the top ocean lifeguarding agencies in the world.
• Urban Search and Rescue (USA-2 Team) International urban search and rescue team activated by the U.S. Department of State for international disaster response. One of only two highly specialized teams available through cooperative agreement with the State Department, comprising 71 members, 6 canine teams, and 84,000 pounds of equipment.
• Air and Wildland Division Services Aerial firefighting operations including a fleet of 10 firefighting helicopters, nine wildland Fire Camps, and the Heavy Equipment Unit for wildfire suppression and emergency response.
• Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Emergency response services for hazardous materials incidents across the county.
• Health Hazardous Materials / CUPA Regulatory Services Certified Unified Program Agency administering the Hazardous Waste Generator Program, Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Program, California Accidental Release Prevention Program (Cal-ARP), Aboveground Storage Tank Program, and Underground Storage Program, with fees collected via online payment portal or U.S. mail.
• Fire Prevention and Inspection Services Fire prevention services including plan reviews, field inspections, permits, expedited permitting for PV and ESS installations, and film unit services across regional offices.
• Forestry and Fuel Modification Services Wildland fire management including defensible space programs, fuel modification, fire weather monitoring, RAWS data, and vegetation management. Responsible for Fuel Modification Plan approvals for new construction in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
• 9-1-1 Dispatch and Command and Control Services 9-1-1 communications center handling emergency dispatch operations, including the Pyxis controlled substances electronic disbursement and accountability system for EMS.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Free disaster preparedness training covering disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism awareness for community members.
• Homeland Security Services Homeland security operations as part of the department's comprehensive emergency services portfolio, coordinated under the Homeland Security Section.

Quantifiable outcome

• Emergency Medical Services comprise nearly 85 percent of the Department's 9-1-1 responses
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Joint press conference with LAFD on Fourth of July fireworks safety, held at LACoFD Headquarters Training Center. Both departments coordinated public safety messaging alongside Sheriff LASD, LAPD, CAL FIRE, and UCLA Health Regional Burn Center.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Ongoing collaboration on community events including Fourth of July safety press conference and Altadena wildfire rebuild efforts. Sheriff Robert Luna and department personnel work together on public safety initiatives.
• UCLA Health Regional Burn CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Medical partner participating in Fourth of July safety press conference. Medical Director Andrew Vardanian, MD presented alongside fire and law enforcement officials on fireworks injury prevention.
• CAL FIRE / California State Fire MarshalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026State fire agency partner participating in joint Fourth of July safety messaging. State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant spoke at the press conference regarding fireworks regulations.
• Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026LACoFD joined LAFD for 'Steel Across America' event, a coast-to-coast tour carrying a steel beam from World Trade Center South Tower to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11. The 16,000-pound, 21-foot steel column traveled over 10,500 miles across 21 states.
• March of DimesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026LACoFD hosted the return of the March of Dimes Barbecue after a seven-year hiatus. Event raises funding for March of Dimes mission to prevent congenital disabilities, premature birth, and infant mortality through research, education, and community service.
• City of Santa ClaritacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2026Annual Fire Safety Day held at Towsley Canyon Trailhead with city representatives sharing wildfire preparedness and fireworks safety information. LACoFD Air and Wildland Division demonstrated giant dozer and water dropping capabilities.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026LASD Deputy Perez visited LACoFD Command and Control 9-1-1 Communications Center to thank Dispatcher David Stark for guiding him through infant CPR that saved his four-day-old baby's life.
• San Gabriel Valley Habitat for HumanitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026LACoFD joined with LASD and San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes destroyed during the January 2025 wildfire in Altadena. Chief Deputy Jon O'Brien and department personnel participated in placing foundations for displaced families.
• U.S. Department of StatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative agreement for international urban search and rescue deployment. LACoFD USA-2 team activated by the State Department for international disaster response, including Venezuela earthquake response in June 2026.
• Tunnel to Towers FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational foundation organizing the 'Steel Across America' coast-to-coast tour commemorating 25th anniversary of 9/11, carrying a steel beam from World Trade Center South Tower through 35+ stops in 21 states.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection): CAL FIRE is the state-level fire protection agency that LACoFD partners with on wildfire response and fireworks safety. It is the primary peer for LACoFD's wildland and Air Division operations and shares mutual aid agreements across California.
• Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD): LAFD is the most direct peer — the municipal fire department serving the City of Los Angeles adjacent to LACoFD's jurisdiction. They jointly conduct public safety messaging (e.g., Fourth of July fireworks press conferences) and operate overlapping capabilities (firefighting, EMS, hazmat, USAR), serving the same metro area from a different jurisdictional boundary.

Regional players

• Orange County Fire Authority: OCFA provides consolidated fire/EMS services to Orange County, including the City of La Habra that LACoFD also serves via fee-for-service contract. It is a structural peer in the Southern California consolidated fire district model.
• San Bernardino County Fire Department: San Bernardino County Fire Department is a comparable inland Southern California county fire agency with similar wildland fire responsibilities, consolidated district governance, and EMS service delivery model.
• Ventura County Fire Department: Ventura County Fire Department is a regional peer that shares LACoFD's wildland-urban interface exposure (Thomas Fire, Woolsey Fire) and similar mix of structural, wildland, and EMS responsibilities in Southern California.
• Riverside County Fire Department: Riverside County Fire Department is a neighboring Inland Empire agency with comparable wildland-urban interface risk, CAL FIRE mutual aid participation, and consolidated county fire district structure similar to LACoFD.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Fire Department: Chicago Fire Department is a national-scale broad incumbent comparable to LACoFD on size, EMS integration, and special operations capabilities. It offers a benchmark for major-city consolidated fire/EMS service delivery.
• Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY): FDNY is one of the few U.S. fire departments comparable in scale, brand recognition, and operational scope to LACoFD. It sets the benchmark for large-metro USAR capability and EMS-heavy call volume.
• San Diego Fire-Rescue Department: San Diego Fire-Rescue is a large municipal fire department with similar comprehensive capabilities (fire, EMS, lifeguard, hazmat, USAR) and a comparable metro-scale operational profile to LACoFD.

Others

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / U.S. Fire Administration: FEMA is the federal counterpart that funds LACoFD disaster response via reimbursements (e.g., DR-4856-CA) and coordinates the USAR system. It functions as a regulator/funder peer rather than a direct operational competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/LACOFD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdARh7ZgHCac8RIHCIGo-LQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/LACoFD
• Instagraminstagram.com/lacountyfd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/los-angeles-county

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles County Fire Department