History
The History of Copperopolis Fire protection District originates, like much of California around the time of the historic gold and Copper rush. The town of Copperopolis was founded in 1860 and was home to multiple copper mines responsible for the metal supply for the Civil War until the 1880’s. From the 1880’s to 1902, mining claims traded hands multiple times, leading to reopening and subsequent closing of mines within the town, Mines were eventually reopened to support metal needs for Word War II, but the production was light. Mining of copper ultimately ended in 1946. In 1867, most of the town of Copperopolis burned down in a large conflagration. The only surviving buildings today, were the Church, Old Corner Saloon and the Union Armory. At the time, the town had no formal fire brigade or fire department. Shortly after this fire, residents that had decided to stay in town formed a volunteer fire brigade. This consisted of residents volunteering for “fire watch” and the ringing of a large bell if a fire was detected. In 1909, the Calaveras Copper Company helped fund the volunteer fire brigade for protection of the town and the company’s mining interests.
Fast forward 27 years: the Copperopolis Fire Protection District was officially formed in 1936 and ratified by residents in 1937. The district is responsible for the protection of approximately 4000 residents over 187 square miles. The district response area covers rural areas, suburban track homes, gated communities, commercial zones and lake front communities; many of which are designated wildland urban interface. This layout poses unique challenges with the varying geography and extended response times. Copperopolis Fire Protection District shares mutual aid zones with San Andreas FPD to the North, Altaville-Melones FPD to the East, Tuolumne County to the South East, Stanislaus County to the South West and Calaveras Consolidated FPD to the West. CALFIRE staffs a seasonal (April -November) fire station across the street from Copperopolis Fire Station One. Copperopolis Fire Protection District provides both structure and wildland fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical services, and light rescue capabilities. The district employs a Fire Chief, District Secretary, three Fire Captains, nine Firefighters and multiple per-diem paramedics. The districts budget and finances are overseen by a board of directors consisting of five elected officials. The district staff two fire stations full time and operates one Type I fire engine, three Type III fire engines, one ALS quick response vehicle, one water tender, two utility pick-up trucks and one CERT vehicle.