Our History

Founded in 1925 by a devoted group of volunteers, the Colma Fire Protection District emerged from a shared spirit of community courage and service. These early founders recognized the critical need to protect their neighbors and answered that call with selflessness and resolve.

Today, that same spirit remains at the heart of the District. Our department continues to be unique in the Bay Area with its paid–on–call staffing model: 36 highly trained professionals—each responding from home or work—stand vigilant and ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alongside fire protection, a paramedic is on duty at all times to deliver swift and effective medical response.

Although our model differs from conventional full-time fire stations, our performance does not. Our response times consistently meet—or even exceed—regional standards. This achievement reflects not only our structure, but our unwavering commitment to serving the community with speed, skill, and compassion.