REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 23, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Amendment to Mutual Aid Agreement with Searles Valley Minerals
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, approve Amendment No. 1 to non-financial Mutual Aid Agreement No. 21-1035 with Searles Valley Minerals for mutual assistance with fire and rescue services, extending the term by three years, for a total term of December 14, 2021, through June 30, 2029.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Recommendation
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Enhance Readiness for Major Emergency Responses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this amendment will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Amendment No. 1 (Amendment) to Mutual Aid Agreement No. 21-1035 (Agreement) with Searles Valley Minerals (Searles Valley) is non-financial in nature and defines the responsibilities of San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) and Searles Valley regarding mutual aid response with fire and rescue services.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SBCFPD has numerous mutual aid agreements with local, state, federal agencies, and private entities, for assistance 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 or emergency incidents.
Searles Valley is a mining company located in Trona that processes brine solution from Searles Lake to produce products such as boric acid, sodium carbonate, and salt. Searles Valley maintains its own private fire brigade, which includes employees trained as firefighters and equipped to respond to fires and other emergencies at its facility and, when requested by SBCFPD, within the surrounding community.
On December 14, 2021 (Item No. 69), SBCFPD’s Board of Directors approved the Agreement between SBCFPD and Searles Valley for mutual assistance with fire and rescue services, for the period of December 14, 2021, through June 30, 2026. The Agreement provides mutual benefits to SBCFPD and Searles Valley by improving fire protection and rescue services through faster response times and access to personnel, specialized equipment, and resources.
Approval of the Amendment will extend the term by three years, for a total term of December 14, 2021, through June 30, 2029. The Amendment will allow for the most expeditious and cost-effective response for the public served by SBCFPD and Searles Valley.
The Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 90 days written notice. All other terms of the Agreement remain the same.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 26, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Jessica Trillo, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on June 2, 2026.