Avenal Takes First Step Toward Professional Fire Department

September 17, 2025

On September 11, 2025, the City Council took the first formal step to establish the Avenal Fire Department by introducing Ordinance 2025-03 and approving Resolution 2025-47.

Understanding Fire Services

For many years, Avenal has relied on Kings County for fire protection services. However, on August 4, 2025, the City Council approved a new fire services agreement with Kings County at an annual cost of $1,096,310 — a significant increase from prior years. This increase has prompted the City to more closely evaluate long-term options, including the possibility of establishing its own municipal fire department.

While contracting with Kings County has served our community well, the rising costs and the City’s enduring goal of becoming a full-service city - a vision held since incorporation in 1979 -and investing in ourselves have made the establishment of our own fire department more of an option.

What Ordinance 2025-03 Does - Create the Legal Framework:

The draft ordinance, currently titled "An Ordinance of the City of Avenal Establishing a Municipal Fire Department and Regulations Pertaining to Fire Protection Within City Limits," creates the essential legal foundation for our future fire department. Here's what it establishes:

Department Structure and Leadership

• Fire Chief Requirements: The ordinance mandates that the Fire Chief must have previous training and extensive experience as a fireman ensuring professional leadership from day one.
• City Manager Oversight: The Fire Chief will report directly to the City Manager, maintaining clear lines of authority and accountability.
• Professional Standards: All firefighters must complete basic training at an accredited fire academy and meet California State Fire Marshal standards.

Operational Authority

The ordinance grants the Fire Chief authority to:

• Directing department administration and operations
• Serve as the appointing authority for department positions
• Issue citations for Fire Code violations
• Conduct inspections and issuing permits
• Maintaining mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies

Service Capabilities

The department will provide:

• Fire suppression services
• Emergency first-response medical services
• Potential hazardous materials response and technical rescue (upon City Council authorization)

What Happens Next:

This process follows a proven model as the Avenal Police Department was created in a similar manner — the ordinance was adopted in March 2010, with the first patrol shift beginning in November 2010. During that time, the City secured equipment, prepared facilities, and hired and trained staff. 

The fire department will follow a similar approach once all requirements are in place and the plan has been reviewed and endorsed by outside fire chiefs. 

The City is committed to giving this process the time it needs to be done properly.

Addressing Community Concerns:

The City has expressed that this transition will not happen overnight. The ordinance specifically provides for continued fire protection through Kings County for up to three years, ensuring the same high level of service residents expect while the new department is properly established.

Professional Staffing Commitment: The ordinance makes clear that this will be a professionally staffed department with fully trained, experienced firefighters. All personnel must meet stringent state standards and complete accredited training programs.

No Service Interruption: Fire protection services will continue without interruption through Kings County until the locally operated department is determined to be fully operational and ready to provide the same level of service.

No Activation of the Avenal Fire Department: This action does not activate the fire department. Rather, it authorizes the start of a structured planning phase, including equipment, operational modeling, and staff recruitment of trained/experienced professionals.