Who We Are

Southern California Wildfire Response (SCWR) is a recognized community wildland fire and all-hazard response department serving Los Angeles and neighboring counties. Our crews are stationed in the Santa Monica Mountains, with administration and dispatch located in West Los Angeles. Our 25 firefighters, most of them also certified EMTs, patrol high-risk areas, respond to wildfires and emergencies, and work on active incidents. They forgo a paycheck to do it, because this is the community they live in.

We serve the public, responding wherever the need is greatest and never based on who can pay. SCWR has no guaranteed government operating budget and is sustained by community donations, grants, and partnerships. In an emergency, always call 911.

Where We Came From

SCWR grew out of LAIT911 Fire, which became a trusted source of real-time emergency information across Los Angeles. As fire seasons grew more severe, it became clear that information alone wasn’t enough. The community needed trained people in the field. SCWR was established in 2021 to provide them.

LAIT911 is still part of SCWR today. It’s our public information platform, delivering real-time incident updates, aircraft tracking, radio feeds, and emergency notifications to residents across the region.

What We Do

Fire conditions in Southern California have changed. Extreme fire weather, wind-driven spread, and dense foothill neighborhoods mean the first minutes of an incident matter more than ever. SCWR is built around those minutes. Our work includes:

• Wildfire prevention and patrol in high-risk corridors
• Initial attack and suppression with Type 6 engines and a Type 2 hand crew
• Storm, flood, and all-hazard field response
• Incident support, including rehab, logistics, communications, and traffic control
• Real-time public information through LAIT911

How We Work With Other Agencies

We operate within the Incident Command System on every incident and coordinate closely with the agencies responsible for the area. Our crews use standard ICS roles and common terminology, so they fit into any operation alongside career personnel without extra coordination. We add capacity to the existing response system; we don’t replace any part of it.

Outside of active incidents, we share information, staff community events, and support prevention work with local fire departments, law enforcement, land managers, and community organizations across the region.

Training & Standards

SCWR firefighters are trained and qualified to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards, the same framework federal, state, and local wildland agencies use. Every firefighter completes NWCG’s core fireline courses, passes the arduous Work Capacity Test, and recertifies each year through the annual fireline safety refresher. Most of our firefighters are also certified EMTs, so medical care is usually already on scene when we are.

Leadership & Accountability

SCWR is led by Fire Chief Johnathan Martin, a third-generation firefighter. He oversees SCWR’s engine companies, hand crew, and field operations across Los Angeles County, and is on call around the clock throughout fire season and beyond.

SCWR is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 92-1027105), and donations are tax-deductible.