The Oxnard Fire Department performs a wide variety of functions and duties related to fire suppression, life safety, and public service. Responses include extinguishing fires of all types, executing rescues, medical responses, performing fire prevention duties, and responding to general calls for service such as a report of a child locked in a vehicle.
The basic emergency unit within the fire department is the engine company. The engine company consists of a Captain who supervises the crew, an Engineer who is responsible for the safe operation of the apparatus and all equipment on-board, and a Firefighter who carries out the basic firefighting and medical tasks needed. The engine company is highly trained and very versatile.
The Fire Department also staffs two trucks which are considered support equipment; one is “Truck 61” the other is “Truck 68”, staffed by a Captain, an Engineer and two Firefighters. The truck company performs highly specialized operations such as operating rescue extrication tools and equipment to help free victims who are trapped in accidents or collapses. They are trained in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) to operate in confined spaces or in high angle situations such as over a bridge or cliff side. The truck company also provides support to the engine companies at fires and can even utilize the aerial ladder to perform rescues or apply water if needed.
Another support unit is “Rescue 66” staffed by two firefighters. Rescue 66 also operates rescue extrication tools and equipment, assists USAR Operations, and provides support to the engine companies at fires.