IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 911
Area emergency services are listed below. For non-emergent inquiries or questions, call the numbers below. If you have an emergency, DIAL 9-1-1
History of the Rio Dell Fire Protection District
The Rio Dell Fire Protection District has been serving the Eel River Valley for more than 80 years, with roots that reflect the long-standing commitment of local residents to protecting their community.
The District was originally formed on January 12, 1941, under the name Wildwood Fire Protection District. As the community evolved, the District’s name was officially changed to the Rio Dell Fire Protection District on December 19, 1961, better reflecting the area it serves today.
Since its formation, fire protection in Rio Dell has been deeply rooted in volunteerism. The District operates in partnership with the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department, which has long provided emergency services to the city and surrounding areas, responding to fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, and other emergencies.
Growth and Regional Cooperation
For decades, neighboring communities such as Scotia, Redcrest, and Shively relied on independent volunteer fire companies. These organizations worked closely with Rio Dell through mutual aid agreements, but they often faced challenges due to limited and inconsistent funding, as they depended heavily on donations, fundraising, and community support.
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable and coordinated approach to fire protection, local leaders began exploring ways to combine resources and improve service delivery across the region.
The 2020 Merger and Annexation
A major milestone in the District’s history occurred in 2020, when the Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) approved a significant annexation and consolidation effort.
This action expanded the Rio Dell Fire Protection District to include approximately 11,498 acres and multiple communities, including:
- Scotia
- Stafford
- Shively
- Redcrest
- Larabee
- Pepperwood
- Holmes Flat
- Price Creek / Howe Creek
As part of this process, the fire service operations of Rio Dell, Scotia, Redcrest, and Shively were formally merged into a single, unified district.
This consolidation created a stronger, more efficient organization by:
- Combining personnel, equipment, and training resources
- Establishing a more stable and reliable funding structure
- Improving emergency response coverage across a larger region
- Strengthening long-standing mutual aid partnerships into one coordinated system
Importantly, while the departments merged administratively, each community retained its local fire station identity, becoming part of a larger, regional fire protection system.
The District Today
Today, the Rio Dell Fire Protection District continues its proud tradition of volunteer service, regional collaboration, and community commitment. From its beginnings as the Wildwood Fire Protection District in 1941 to its modern role as a regional provider of emergency services, the District has continually adapted to meet the needs of a growing and changing community.
The history of the District reflects not only organizational growth, but also the dedication of generations of volunteers and residents who have worked together to ensure the safety and resilience of the Rio Dell area.
Contact Information
- Address: 50 W. Center Street, Rio Dell, CA, 95562
- In Case of Emergency: DIAL 9-1-1
- Phone: (707) 764-3329
- Fax: (707) 764-3329
- Email: info@riodellfire.com
Board of Commissioners
The Rio Dell Fire Protection District is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, elected by the community to provide oversight and leadership for the District. These Commissioners play a vital role in ensuring that the organization operates effectively, responsibly, and in the best interest of the public.
The Board is responsible for establishing policy, approving budgets, and supporting the overall mission of delivering high-quality fire protection and emergency services. Working closely with the Fire Chief and department leadership, the Commissioners help guide the District’s long-term planning and service priorities.
Commissioners are local community members dedicated to public service and to maintaining the safety and resilience of the Rio Dell area and surrounding communities.
Joe Timmerman- Chair
Mickey Barsanti- Co-Chair
Jimmy Barsanti- Commissioner
Rich McKnight- Commissioner
Matt Giacomini- Commissioner
Clerk - Cindy Giacomini
Cindy Giacomini joined the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department as Clerk/Bookkeeper in December 2025. She brings over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping and nonprofit auditing, along with a strong background in grant writing.
In her role, Cindy oversees department records, prepares meeting agendas, and supports the Board in maintaining compliance with Brown Act requirements. Her attention to detail and organizational expertise play a vital role in ensuring smooth administrative operations.
Cindy also brings many years of leadership and supervisory experience. She currently works full time for a local nonprofit and has been a proud resident of Rio Dell for over 20 years, demonstrating her strong commitment to the community.
Cindy’s office hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you have questions regarding Fire Department business, or billing, please email her and she will respond when she is in the office.