Arcata Fire District Grapples with Cal Poly Growth, Seeks State-Level Support for Resources
District Seeks State Support Amid University Expansion
The Arcata Fire District is continuing to press for solutions to what it describes as a critical gap in its ability to serve the growing Cal Poly Humboldt campus. During its October 14 meeting, the Board of Directors discussed following up on an offer from university officials to assist with lobbying for state funding to address the district's resource shortfalls.
Board members expressed significant concern over their capacity to respond to emergencies in the multi-story buildings being constructed on campus, noting the district's limited staffing of six firefighters to cover a 60-square-mile area. The conversation followed a recent joint study session with the Arcata City Council and university representatives.
“We continue to be under-equipped, under-trained, and under-prepared to meet that,” said Director Randy Mendosa, referring to the scale of development. He emphasized the need for the university and the City of Arcata to formally acknowledge the district's service limitations in writing and to advocate on the district's behalf with state agencies.
Ideas discussed included collaborating with the university to secure state grants or even exploring the relocation of a Cal Fire station closer to Arcata to support state-owned facilities. The board directed Fire Chief Justin McDonald to continue discussions with university leadership and resolved to keep the topic as a recurring item on future agendas to ensure progress.
Concerns Raised Over Arcata's Local Coastal Program
Related to development concerns, the board also discussed its formal letter to the City of Arcata and the California Coastal Commission regarding the city's Local Coastal Program (LCP) update. The letter highlights the district's inability to adequately handle fire and emergency incidents within the coastal zone under current staffing levels.
Board members reported that Coastal Commission staff were surprised to learn of the city's development plans proceeding without a clear plan for ensuring fire service coverage. The city has since postponed its consideration of the LCP until February 17, 2026, giving the district more time to ensure its concerns are part of the official public record. A board member will follow up with Arcata's City Manager to confirm the district's letter will be included in all future discussions and agenda packets related to the LCP.
New Command Vehicle and Fire Code Approved
In other business, the board unanimously approved the purchase of a replacement command vehicle for up to $75,000. The district located a used 2022 Chevrolet SUV with low mileage that is already partially outfitted for emergency service, providing a cost-effective option to replace an aging 2010 Ford F-150 with over 155,000 miles. The purchase was included in the current fiscal year's budget. Chief McDonald assured the board he would confirm the vehicle is compliant with California emissions standards before finalizing the purchase.
The board also held a public hearing and unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-23, which formally accepts the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments. This update, which occurs every three years, is part of a county-wide effort among fire prevention officers to standardize regulations, making it easier for contractors and developers to work consistently across jurisdictions.
Meeting Schedule to Change
The board is considering a permanent change to its meeting schedule. Due to a director's scheduling conflict, the board gave staff direction to prepare a resolution to move its regular meetings from the second Tuesday to the second Thursday of each month, starting in 2026. The change will be brought back for a formal vote at the November meeting.
As a reminder to the public, the district's next meeting in November will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, instead of Tuesday, due to the Veterans Day holiday.