REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
February 10, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Mutual Aid Agreement with Edwards Air Force Base
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, approve non-financial mutual aid agreement with the Secretary of the Air Force, acting by and through the Commander at Edwards Air Force Base, for reciprocal mutual assistance on fire, rescue, and emergency response services, for the period from February 25, 2026, to February 24, 2031.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Enhance Readiness for Major Emergency Responses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this agreement will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). This is a non-financial agreement that defines the responsibilities of the two entities regarding mutual aid response. However, in the event costs incurred are above the normal response, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) retains its right to claim reimbursement in accordance with any federal guidelines established in connection with an incident.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SBCFPD has numerous mutual aid agreements with local, state, and federal agencies to assist each other in the suppression of fires and in the provision of emergency medical services. These agreements allow one party to assist the other party by providing personnel, equipment, materials/supplies, and other services, as needed, for fire and/or emergency incidents.
On December 7, 2021 (Item No. 67), SBCFPD’s Board of Directors approved non-financial mutual aid Agreement No. 21-981 (Agreement No. 21-981), between SBCFPD and Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), effective upon execution by both parties through December 6, 2041. The Agreement allows for a mutually beneficial mutual aid agreement for a reasonable and reciprocal exchange of fire, rescue and emergency response services of the two fire agencies. Due to the shared borders between SBCFPD and the AFB, the Agreement allows for the most expeditious and cost-effective response to suppress fires and provide other emergency services for the public served by these fire agencies.
AFB has updated the indemnity and term provisions of their agreement template. The new indemnity provision updates the provision related to claims arising out of the agreement from any cause, including the use of firefighting foams, chemicals, or other materials. The agreement also changes the provision that allowed for the agreement to renew annually for a total term of 20 years and now limits the term to five years. As a result, AFB has submitted a new contract that will supersede Agreement No. 21-981.
Approval of the new agreement will allow for continued mutual aid response between the two parties. Either party may terminate this agreement during the term by sending notification of its intent to the other party at least 180 days in advance of the proposed termination date.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Richard Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on January 14, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on January 20, 2026.