Committed to keeping our Tribe
and California safe
A legacy of protecting the land and our neighbors
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Fire Department (SMFD) was established in 2003 to fight the threat of wildfires on our Reservation in San Bernardino National Forest. Today, SMFD ranks among the top fire departments in the country, serving as stewards and protectors of our ancestral lands, Tribal Citizens and neighboring communities.
The only tribal fire department with Class 1 ISO Rating
Since 2020, SMFD has operated in the highest tier for training, equipment readiness, fire prevention and emergency response. A class 1 (ISO) community hazard mitigation rating places the department in the top 1% of fire departments nationwide.
Leadership
Michael J. Smith
VP of Emergency Services
Keith Alexander
Fire Chief
Chris Nelson
Deputy Fire Chief
Ann Martgan
EMS Operations Manager
Dino Beltz
Battalion Chief
Ralph Tovar
Assistant Fire Chief
Richard Zinchuk
Battalion Chief
Kenny Bryson
Battalion Chief
Ernie Paez
Fire Marshal
San Manuel Fire Department at a glance
Full-time employees
Off-reservation emergency responses
State-of-the-art Fire Stations
Articles
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