Fires are not allowed on any City Beaches, which include Cowells Beach, Main Beach & beaches along Westcliff Drive. Fires are allowed in fire rings only at some of the following state beaches.
State Beaches
New Brighton 464-6330
Twin Lakes 427-4868
Seabright 427-4868
Are sky lanterns allowed with Santa Cruz?
The use of Sky Lanterns is prohibited by several laws and codes including the Health and Safety Code, T-19 Public Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, and the International Fire Code.
Can we have a warming fire in our backyard?
The City of Santa Cruz does allow warming fires in backyards, as long as these guidelines are followed. If the Fire Department deems it unsafe, they will ask you to extinguish it. If you have a complaint about smoke from a neighbors warming fire, you will need to contact Monterey Bay Air Resources District to file the complaint.
Fires are not allowed on City Beaches.
Can you barbecue on the beach?
Gas grills are allowed on City beaches - BUT if the lifeguards or rangers deems the grill to be unsafe or too large; the BBQ will need to be removed.
Charcoal barbecues will no longer be allowed on our City beaches. This is in large part due to safety and environmental concerns related to people burying coals in the sand after a barbecue on the beach.
Do you inspect child safety seat installations?
We do by appointment only. Schedule 4-6 weeks in advance. See our Car Seat Safety Page for other organizations that inspect child safety seats.
Do you offer station tours?
We offer station tours to school groups (age 5+) on Wednesday mornings, by appointment only. Tours are usually at Station 1, located at 711 Center Street. Tour needs to be requested the month prior to allow for planning on our training calendar. We ask that you give us a few options to give you a better chance of getting a tour.
Do you service fire extinguishers?
We do not service fire extinguishers. Please find a professional fire extinguisher service company in the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguisher.”
How do I file a fire safety complaint?
Call our Admin office at 831-420-5280 to file a fire safety complaint. We investigate all fire safety complaints, including weed complaints. Additionally we have a weed abatement program for vacant lots.
How do I get a copy of an incident report?
Requests for incident reports can be requested via email at dl_fire@cityofsantacruz.com or call 831-420-5280. Fires under investigation by SCFD & SCPD require a subpoena to obtain a copy. Emergency medical reports or patient care reports can only be requested by the patient (requires ID), patient’s representative (requires patients ID and letter from patient authorizing release), patient’s attorney (requires a HIPPA compliant release authorization signed by patient) or a subpoena.
Allow 1-2 weeks for reports to be processed. Most reports can be emailed free of charge. There will be a nominal fee for hard copies.
How do I order a Knox Box?
Visit https://www.knoxbox.com to purchase a knox box. Choose your item and the search Santa Cruz. Make sure to choose Santa Cruz Fire Dept at 230 Walnut Ave. If you choose another department, our key will not work. Any questions call our Fire Admin office at 831-420-5280
How do I report a leaking hydrant?
Call the Santa Cruz Water Department at 831-420-5200
What is the process for fire plan review?
Submit a minimum of two sets of plans to the Admin office located at 230 Walnut Ave. We do not require an application. Our plan review turn- around is up to 12 working days. Visit our Permits and Inspections Page or call 831-420-5280 if you have any further questions.
Where can I dispose of my fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste drop-off sites:
City of Santa Cruz Hazardous Waste
605 Dimeo Lane
Open Saturdays only from 7:30 - 3:30
Buena Vista Landfill
1231 Buena Vista Drive
Watsonville
Call for hours of operation 831-454-2606
Ben Lomond Transfer Station
9835 Newell Creek Road
Ben Lomond
Call for hours of operation 831-454-2606
