UC Davis Fire Department Earns High Marks in External Review
Campus Fire Teams Commended for Innovation, Partnership and Care, as New Chief Takes the Helm
A recent external review of the UC Davis Fire Department described the campus agency as a “premier” fire department and model organization.
“UC Davis is operating one of the best, most unique fire departments we have reviewed, all to regulatory requirements and best practices,” states the report by Citygate Associates.
The independent assessment took place between January and June 2025, commissioned by UC Davis leaders as a best practice prior to selecting a new chief of the fire department. Nate Hartinger, a long-time leader within the department, was sworn in as the new chief on Aug. 11.
“This external assessment validates our confidence in the UC Davis Fire Department’s operations – and in the team’s ability to carry on with their excellent work,” said Clare Shinnerl, vice chancellor for Finance, Operations and Administration.
Ready for a wide range of risks
In 2024, the UC Davis Fire Department responded to 1,609 incidents. Crews are prepared to respond to a wide range of risks, similar to a fire department in a mid-sized city, including fires, emergency medical incidents, rescues, hazardous materials and large special events.
- 45% of responses were for emergency medical services.
- 5% were for fires.
- Other call types included rescues, hazardous materials and miscellaneous assistance.
- Annual average of 24 building fires (few of which are severe) and 15 life-threatening ambulance transports.
Thorough evaluation, with just one long-term issue
The review covered 11 major categories, including the department’s organizational structure, management of logistics (equipment, budgets, vehicles and software), training and certifications, response services and times, standard operating procedures and more. The assessment process included document reviews, interviews and two days of on-site sessions.
Highlights of the report included:
Response times for 90% of UC Davis Fire Department calls met or beat a 6:41-minute mark from dispatch to first arrival, which the report emphasized as “very good.”
Health 34 – an around-the-clock program launched in 2023 – was recognized as innovative, well-designed and cost-effective. In 2024, the Health 34 team responded to 438 calls to provide free, non-emergency care to anyone on campus for minor medical, mental health, personal crisis, or service navigation issues.
The department’s firefighting, emergency medical services, and technical response services are based on best practices. They have been designed to reduce risks with quality oversight, to meet the unique needs of the UC Davis community.
The report called out department personnel for showing “a tremendous amount of care within a positive, ‘can-do’ culture.”
The department’s partnerships with other public safety agencies are well managed.
Training, education and certification programs meet or exceed standards.
Resource management for equipment, vehicles and software included robust and responsive documentation.
The department’s organizational structure is effective, and employees demonstrate the department’s mission, vision and value statements.
The on-site visit pointed to the only “long-term issue” identified in the report: The 47-year-old fire station facility is in “fair condition, but is showing signs of wear and tear.” Fortunately, renovations to the Police and Fire Building for seismic safety and ADA compliance are already in progress, slated for completion in spring 2026.
The report pointed out additional best practices from the National Fire Protection Association to further improve equipment storage safety and facility design. It also noted that potential growth of the campus to the west may indicate the need for a second fire station in the future.
Citygate Associates has evaluated public safety programs for local government agencies throughout the United States, including the cities of Davis, Berkeley, Woodland, Santa Cruz, West Sacramento, and previously for UC Davis as well.
Training the next generation and partnering across agencies
UC Davis is home to the only full-service fire department owned and operated by a UC campus — and the only major university in California with a residential student firefighter program. Student firefighters live in the campus fire station, receive real-world training and work monthly shifts while earning their degrees.
Approximately 40% of the department’s firefighters are graduates of the student firefighter program who chose to stay at UC Davis as a career destination.
The department works closely with other fire agencies in the region. Its calls are routed through the county dispatch center, which coordinates support from cities and other fire agencies. The UC Davis Fire Department also leads a county multi-agency hazardous materials team and coordinates two training consortia that bring together regional fire departments for shared training courses: the Sacramento Fire Training Consortium and the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium, which includes fire departments from Woodland, West Sacramento and Yoche Dehe.
With a new chief at the helm and a comprehensive review in hand, the UC Davis Fire Department is poised to move forward, continuing to serve campus and community with dedication, professionalism and heart.