Hayfork Fire protection district

The formation of Hayfork Fire Protection District and Hayfork Volunteer Fire Department started in 1948 with the fire district receiving its charter in 1951. The original district boundary was 6 square miles that included all businesses and most of the residential areas in the Hayfork community. Volunteers responded out of a garage/old barn loaned to the district until a two-story fire hall was constructed in 1950, paid for through donations. In 1966 a single-story addition, third bay, was added to the fire hall so additional fire equipment could be housed.

Hayfork Fire Protection District’s operating revenue is received primarily through public funds. When the economic environment in Trinity County took a down-turn in the ‘90s so did the District’s revenues. With the real threat of the District and volunteer fire department not having the necessary funding to continue to provide fire protection to the community, a grass-roots community movement was organized resulting in the passage of Measure F in 2006. The passage of Measure F expanded the district boundaries to 84 square miles and provided funding through a benefit assessment of $100 per parcel located in the fire protection district.

With critical funding secured, Hayfork Fire Protection District developed a strategic plan focused on replacement of obsolete fire apparatus, maintenance that had been deferred due to lack of funds, replacement of turnouts/PPE for the volunteers and increased training. Additionally, a plan for construction of a new public safety facility was pursued, intended to house apparatus and serve as the new headquarters of the Hayfork Volunteer Fire Department and Hayfork Fire Protection District Board.

Since 2006, the district has acquired two new engines, two water tenders of which one was new, a Type 6, as well as a new duty vehicle and medical aid unit. Additionally, with a combination of donations, grants and loans, Phase I of the Hayfork Public Safety Facility was completed in 2012. Options are now being considered by the district board for a Phase II addition which is intended to provide sleeping quarters, class room for training, offices and meeting room.