This article was published October 16, 2026, information may be outdated.
COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa Fire Department received a Class 2 fire protection rating for 2026, placing the city near the top of a national classification system that evaluates fire protection capabilities.
Fire Chief Logan Conley announced the rating in his September report to the Colusa City Council on Oct. 6. The report also outlined the department’s emergency responses, staffing, equipment needs and community activities.
The Insurance Services Office uses its Public Protection Classification system to evaluate a community’s fire suppression capabilities. Ratings range from Class 1, the highest, to Class 10, the lowest.
According to Conley, the city’s Class 2Y designation reflects its fire protection capabilities, including properties with different levels of water supply and access to fire services.
Maintaining that rating remains a department priority as officials consider future equipment purchases, including a ladder truck.
Conley identified a new ladder truck as an important operational need to improve firefighting, rescue operations and access to elevated areas during emergencies. He said the equipment would also help the department meet applicable National Fire Protection Association standards and maintain its current fire protection rating.
During September, the department responded to 69 dispatched 911 calls while continuing training, fire prevention inspections and community outreach.
Fire personnel also participated in strike team deployments to the Hawk Fire and Plaskett Fire between Aug. 23 and Sept. 8.
Throughout the month, firefighters conducted fire safety inspections at businesses and public buildings to check compliance with fire codes. Personnel also inspected and maintained department vehicles and emergency equipment.
The department currently operates with six full-time firefighters and 18 volunteers, bringing its total roster to 24 personnel.
Conley reported one vacant full-time firefighter position. The department has supplemented its staffing with per diem firefighters to maintain coverage.
Equipment maintenance remains another priority. The department completed minor air brake repairs and replaced emergency hand lights on its primary structural firefighting engine, a 2013 Type 1 pumper.
Fire personnel also replaced tires and performed routine maintenance on a 2019 quick-attack engine. The vehicle is scheduled for a transmission and transfer case inspection because its four-wheel-drive system intermittently slips into gear while driving.
The department’s 2009 wildland firefighting engine is also scheduled for several repairs and annual maintenance.
Conley identified the replacement of aging automated external defibrillators as another equipment need.
The department’s current defibrillators are approximately 10 to 15 years old and originally came from surplus equipment through the Colusa County Office of Emergency Services.
Conley reported that he is exploring grant opportunities through the county agency to purchase replacements.
The department also plans to pursue grant funding for firefighting equipment, protective gear, apparatus and other operational needs.
In addition to emergency responses, firefighters participated in several community programs during September.
Department personnel attended the Colusa High School Sept. 11 memorial ceremony and provided emergency standby coverage for Colusa High School and Colusa RedHawks football games.
Firefighters also participated in Egling Middle School’s Public Safety Day, where they provided fire extinguisher training and discussed home fire safety with students.
The department continued its smoke detector installation program, which several senior citizens used during September.
Fire personnel also scheduled station tours and fire prevention education for Burchfield Primary School students throughout October.
Conley reported that the department participated in meetings of the Colusa County Fire Chiefs Association and the county Emergency Medical Care Committee, along with regular city and department meetings.
Looking ahead, Conley said the department plans to continue training with an emphasis on emergency medical services and firefighting skills.
The department also intends to evaluate emergency response strategies for multistory and multifamily residential buildings within the city.
Other training priorities include preparing firefighters to respond to electric vehicle lithium-ion battery fires and incidents involving battery energy storage systems.