KCFD Implements Four-Person Engine Staffing

KERN COUNTY, Calif. | The Kern County Fire Department is taking a historic step forward in its commitment to protecting the lives of its firefighters and the communities they serve. Beginning this weekend, the department will launch the first phase of a new staffing model that increases personnel at fire stations from three firefighters to four. This marks a significant advancement in operational readiness, firefighter safety, and emergency response capabilities throughout Kern County.

Traditionally, Kern County Fire Department stations have been staffed with one Fire Captain, one Fire Engineer, and one Firefighter. Under the new staffing model, each engine company will include a Fire Captain, a Fire Engineer, and two Firefighters, increasing the number of personnel available at the start of an emergency.

Having four firefighters on scene from the outset strengthens a crew’s ability to perform essential firefighting tasks, coordinate operations, and respond to the complex and often rapidly evolving demands of an emergency. Because firefighting frequently requires multiple critical tasks to be performed simultaneously, additional staffing helps crews carry out these responsibilities more effectively while supporting safer, more efficient operations.

The addition of a fourth firefighter also allows more personnel to arrive on scene with fewer responding stations, an important advantage in rural areas of Kern County, where stations may be miles apart and response times can be longer. This approach helps ensure that crews have more personnel available when they are needed most.

This staffing model also aligns with guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which identifies four on-duty personnel as the minimum staffing level for engine companies under its standard for fire department organization and deployment. By moving to a four-person engine company, Kern County Fire Department is strengthening its capacity to respond to emergencies while supporting effective operations and firefighter safety.

This staffing change will be implemented in phases, beginning with 13 stations this weekend (see below). This initial phase establishes an important foundation for the department’s continued efforts to strengthen its service delivery and enhance protection for the communities of Kern County.

This historic move reflects the department’s commitment to continuous improvement, investing in its personnel, and ensuring firefighters have the resources needed to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible. It is a positive step for the men and women who respond to emergencies every day and for the residents who depend on them.

Stations increasing to 4-person staffing on October 17, 2026:

• 11 Keene
• 13 Golden Hills
• 16 Bear Valley Springs
• 23 Fellows
• 25 Buttonwillow
• 26 Lost Hills
• 55 Tejon Ranch
• 71 Southlake
• 72 Lake Isabella
• 76 Kernville
• 83 Inyokern
• 85 Randsburg
• 87 Boron