Outreach & Education Program

Merced County Fire is proud to offer a variety of educational programs to the communities we serve. These programs include fire station tours, school programs, and community events.

If you would like to request one of our programs, please contact the nearest Fire Station at least two weeks prior to the event and ensure that your request meets the requirements listed.

Fire Station Tours

Station Tour Guidelines

  • No more than 25 people (or one class) per visit – This includes adults and children
  • We request 1 adult per 5 children to provide supervision
  • The recommended age for station visits is 5 and up
  • We do not host birthday parties at fire stations
  • Groups are limited to one station tour per year

Disclaimer: Emergency response is our primary responsibility and crews will remain in service during station tours in the event of an emergency, firefighters may be delayed or unable to attend without notice. Station tours cancelled due to an emergency response will be rescheduled.

School Visits

MCFD firefighters can visit your school for a presentation on fire prevention, what to do in case of a fire, firefighters as community helpers, and firefighter equipment and gear. School visits last approximately 40-60 minutes.

School Visit Guidelines

  • Each school is limited to one visit per year – We encourage teachers to coordinate visits if multiple classes wish to participate
  • School visits are for educational purposes only
  • Classes must have an average age of 4 or older

Disclaimer: Emergency response is our primary responsibility and crews will remain in service during school visits. We make every attempt to fulfill requests, however, crew availability cannot be guaranteed. In the event of an emergency, firefighters may be delayed or unable to attend without notice. School visits cancelled due to emergency response will be rescheduled.

Community Events

The FPS II participates in setting up and staffing the Merced County Fair booth in support of Merced County Fire Department and Merced City Fire Department. The obstacle course, robotic Sparky, Smoky Bear, and fire education provided reached more than 8,000 people. Our participation is limited to educational and public community events in our service area and is subject to our staffing availability.

Community Event Guidelines

  • We are unable to attend birthday parties or events that promote private businesses
  • Fire engines/crews in attendance will remain in service and must be able to enter and exit the location quickly 

Disclaimer: Emergency response is our primary responsibility and crews will remain in service during community events. We make every attempt to fulfill requests, however crew availability cannot be guaranteed. In the event of an emergency, firefighters may be delayed or unable to attend without notice.

Junior Firesetter

The Fire FRIENDS (Firesetter Regional Intervention Education Network and Delivery System) program is designed specifically for juveniles who are exhibiting unusual or increased interest in fire and fire behavior, and is available to children and their families in and around Orange County, California.

The FPS II is contacted whenever a Juvenile is involved in a firesetting incident. An interview is conducted, homework is assigned, and fire education given at the time of the interview. The Central California Burn Prevention Coalition has established two Youth Firesetters Academies.