Oakland Fire Department

The proud members of the Oakland Fire Department are committed to providing the highest quality and highest level of courteous and responsive services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Oakland. This is accomplished by implementing comprehensive strategies and training in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all risk mitigation, including human-caused and natural disasters, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1 services and community-based fire services.

2023 Oakland Fire Annual Report

cover photo of the annual report

Established in 1869, the Oakland Fire Department has a rich history of dedicated members who are committed to providing the highest quality and highest level of courteous and responsive service to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Oakland. This is accomplished by implementing comprehensive strategies and training in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all risk mitigation, including human-caused and natural disasters, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1 services and community-based fire services.

Please consider reviewing the 2023 Oakland Fire Annual Report.

In-Person Permitting Services with the Fire Prevention Bureau

Effective February 14, 2022, the Fire Prevention Bureau’s (FPB) permit counter is now located on the 2nd floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza and offering In-Person permitting services by appointment only. CLICK HERE to review the appointment information and identify which appointment type you would like to schedule, then visit our Bookings website to schedule an appointment with FPB. We look forward to seeing and serving you!

The MACRO Program (Mobile Assistance Community Responders Of Oakland)

The City of Oakland is in the initial phases of beginning a Pilot Program known as MACRO (Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland). The MACRO Program is a community response program for non-violent 911 calls. The goal is to reduce responses by police, resulting in fewer arrests and negative interactions, and increased access to community-based services and resources for impacted individuals and families, and most especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Read the latest updates on MACRO here.

Department Leadership and Organizational Structure

OFD Logo 2021

•Office of the Fire Chief

•Fiscal & Administration Services Division

•Field Operations Bureau

•Medical Services Division

• Emergency Management Services Division

•Fire Prevention Bureau

•Support Services Bureau

Public Education and Community Engagement

Fire Prevention Resources, Inspection, and Plan Review Information

Emergency Management Services Division

The Emergency Management Services Division (EMSD) within the Oakland Fire Department strives to build a safer and more resilient Oakland. We accomplish this goal by leveraging partnerships, developing our core capabilities, and maintaining a culture of preparedness.

We ensure the City of Oakland can respond to, recover from, and mitigate against any hazard that affects our city, the region, the state, and beyond. Through internal and external training and exercising, we build our capabilities, explore our vulnerabilities and evaluate and review our plans covering the entire cycle of preparedness to ensure continuous improvement.

Leadership

Portrait of Damon Covington

Damon Covington

Fire Chief

On October 27, 2023, Mayor Sheng Thao and Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson announced the selection of Damon Covington to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Oakland.

Chief Covington has been the Interim Fire Chief since June 2023.

“I am thrilled that Chief Covington has accepted this important appointment to become the next Chief of our proud Oakland Fire Department,” said Mayor Sheng Thao. “Damon Covington has a distinguished professional resume from his 24 years of experience in the fire service, and his personal commitment to the safety of Oaklanders is unparalleled.”

Prior to this appointment, Chief Covington served in an array of capacities over his 24 year career with Oakland Fire, including, Firefighter-Paramedic, Fire Engineer, Lieutenant of Fire, Captain of Fire, Captain of Training, Battalion Chief, Special Operations Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and most recently Interim Fire Chief.

Chief Covington’s educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Master’s degree in Executive Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Chief Covington was the President of the Oakland Black Firefighters Association from 2016-2022, and previously served as the Chair of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, respectively. Additionally, he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor for Merritt College where he lectures in the undergraduate Fire Science program.

Chief Covington moved to the East Bay during his early childhood, graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, and is the proud father of one son.

Contact Us

Address

Oakland Fire Department Administration

Phone Numbers

Open Hours

Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Social Media

Was this page helpful?

Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.