Station 42 – CARRIZO PLAIN
Carrizo Plain Fire Station 42 is located in one of the most unique and geographically diverse regions of San Luis Obispo County. The Carrizo Plain stretches approximately 50 miles in length and 15 miles in width, encompassing vast grasslands, rugged terrain, and a dry soda lake at its center. The area is home to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, which contains the largest remaining native grassland in California and is recognized for its remarkable natural beauty and ecological significance. Despite its expansive landscape, the region is sparsely populated, creating unique challenges for emergency response operations.
Station 42, located in the community of California Valley, serves the largest response area within San Luis Obispo County, providing emergency services throughout the entire Carrizo Plain. Station personnel are responsible not only for emergency response but also for the administration, training, and coordination of a dedicated team of 15 Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs). Company 42 members are dispatched to incidents via radio pager and play a critical role in providing fire protection and emergency services across this remote region.
Strategically located near Highway 58, Station 42 serves an important transportation corridor connecting California’s Central Coast and Central Valley. Due to the station’s proximity to county boundaries and the remote nature of the area, firefighters frequently work alongside neighboring agencies, including Kern County Fire Department, responding to incidents throughout both San Luis Obispo and Kern counties.
Equipment assigned to Station 42 includes an ICS Type II fire engine, providing an essential emergency response resource for the community and the vast rural landscapes that make up the Carrizo Plain. Through regional cooperation, dedicated personnel, and a strong Paid Call Firefighter program, Station 42 delivers critical fire protection and emergency services across one of the county’s most remote and challenging response areas.