Ripon, CA, Fire Crews Stretched too Thin

While there are two stations in Ripon, only one is staffed due to lack of personnel.

Aug. 29, 2025

Almost daily, firefighters in Ripon are making tough decisions.

With only one engine and an ambulance staffed, they have to prioritize calls when they come in simultaneously.

There's a second station in the city of about 20,000, but it's unstaffed, CBS Sacramento reported.

"The infrastructure is here, we have an engine inside ready to go, we're just lacking six individuals to hire," said Ripon Fire District Chief Eric DeHart said.

A measure -- a parcel tax of roughly $250 per household -- to fund staffing failed.

Kevin Terry, resident, supports the idea, saying, "I'm all for it, because Ripon is growing. And, at some point, we're going to need two firehouses."

DeHart said the district may put a revised funding measure on the ballot next year.

About the Author

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.