HOOPA VOLUNTEER

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

Hoopa Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) has served the Hoopa Valley community since the mid-1990s, providing critical fire protection, medical aid, and rescue services within the exterior boundaries of the reservation. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, HVFD operates on dedication, training, and a strong sense of responsibility to protect life, property, and cultural.

SERVICES PROVIDED

  • Structural and Vehicle Firefighting

  • Vehicle Extraction

  • Over-the-Bank Rope Rescue

  • Emergency Medical Response (Pre-Ambulance)

  • Swift Water Rescue

  • Community Education on Fire Safety

  • Mutual Aid to and from neighboring departments when needed

HVFD Volunteer practicing victim extraction during Swift Water Rescue Training
HVFD Volunteer practicing victim extraction during Swift Water Rescue Training
HVFD Chief Pole during a high risk rope rescue of a local dog that fell into a 40' deep abandoned well. The dog survived treading water for nearly four hours and nearly submitted to hypothermia but made a full recovery and was reunited with his owner.
HVFD Chief Pole during a high risk rope rescue of a local dog that fell into a 40' deep abandoned well. The dog survived treading water for nearly four hours and nearly submitted to hypothermia but made a full recovery and was reunited with his owner.

CURRENT CAPACITY

  • 17 active volunteers

  • Staff hold varying levels of training, from basic first aid to advanced rope rescue and fire academy certifications

TRAINING & READINESS

HVFD offers internal training opportunities, including:

  • Emergency Medical Responder (62 hours)

  • CPR / First Aid / AED (volunteer-based, not required of all)

  • Modern interior fire attack

  • Rope rescue operations (low-angle)

  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Note: These trainings are optional and based on volunteer commitment.

FIRE RISKS & CHALLENGES

  • Water Access: Limited hydrants in some areas

  • Narrow Roadways: Hinders timely access

  • High Fuel Loads: Certain districts have elevated wildfire risks

  • ISO Rating: HVFD has worked to improve insurance-related fire ratings, but insurance availability remains an issue due to past arson rates

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS

HVFD is always looking for community members ready to serve. To join:

  • Must be 18+

  • Live within the 95546 ZIP code for at least one year

  • Attend 4 consecutive meetings

  • Pass a fit-for-duty test

Volunteers receive hands-on training and serve as a tight-knit, mission-driven team with potential for growth into public safety careers.

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FIREHOUSE NEWS

  • Click here if you are interested in joining the HVFD

  • Burn Permits are currently suspended in the Hoopa Valley