Rooted in local volunteerism, the early days of the city's firefighting efforts included the purchase in 1919 of a…More single hose reel specifically designed for putting out fires. The hose was stored at the local hardware store. Firefighting efforts were then shared by neighboring Hermosa Beach and Los Angeles County Fire.</p> <p>In 1923, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, still a volunteer effort, was formally developed by the Lion Tamers Club, a local leadership group.</p> <p>Today, the department is made up of two fire stations, 30 career firefighters and 24 volunteer personnel. Strategically located fire stations within the city provide quick assistance to the community. Each fire station operates within a specific district that comprises the immediate geographical area around the station.</p> <p><b>Locations:</b></p> <ul> <li>Station One:  400 15th Street </li> <li>Station Two:  1400 Manhattan Beach Blvd.</li> </ul> <p>In addition to their firefighting duties, department personnel are also actively involved in other service areas, such as instructing Manhattan Beach residents in preparation and survival skills, serving on specialized rescue teams, and inspecting homes and businesses to ensure fire safety.</p> <p>Scott Ferguson is Manhattan Beach's fire chief and his bio can be found <a href="http://www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=125">here</a>. The department's batallion chiefs are John Weber (A Shift), Frank Chiella (B Shift) and Ken Shuck (C Shift).</p> <p>The stations' fleet of vehicles and equipment consists of four fire engines with pumpers (two reserves); three rescue vans (two reserve); one ambulance; two batallion vehicles (one reserve); one utility truck; and two fire preservation sedans.</p>

Manhattan Beach's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a non-profit city organization that is trained by and…More works with the Fire Department. CERT is trained to assist city Police, Fire and Public Works departments in the event of a major emergency or disaster, such as an earthquake. Areas of training include emergency first aid, search & rescue and fire suppression, among others.</p> <p>The motto of the CERT organization is "Citizens Helping Neighbors and Our City."</p> <p>To sign up as a CERT volunteer, complete this <a href="http://com2.govtsystems.com/rpmanhattanbeach/public/webform2.asp?ID=331">form</a>, and you will be contacted by the city's Fire Department.</p> <p>For more information, visit the organization's <a href="http://www.mbcerta.org">Web site</a>.</p>