What does the Manteca Fire Department Do? - City of Manteca

Public Fire Education
F.A.I.T.S. (Fire Awareness In The Schools)
The total number of elementary schools in which we teach the Fire Awareness In The Schools program
(F.A.I.T.S.) is eleven. Nine of those schools are public and the remaining two are private schools.
The engine company personnel teach various public fire safety lessons that children will need in order
to be safe from fire and other accidents. In each class the students are challenged to participate in the
lesson and each lesson is designed with their safety needs in mind.
Manteca firefighters teach approximately 2,600 students in the 80+ separate classes that participate in
the program on a regular basis. The FAITS program has been conducted by the department for many
years and has helped with the departments efforts in keeping fire and injury rates low in the City.
Child Firesetter Program
The Child Firesetter Program is one of the most important programs within the Fire Prevention
Bureau. We strongly believe that if we can counsel and educate the potential child fire setter at the
earliest possible moment, we can prevent him or her from starting down the road to potentially larger
arson fires and the resultant grief.
At least one firefighter on each shift has been assigned the task of meeting with referred children.
These firefighters have been specifically trained to talk to both the child and the respective parents so as
to attempt to ascertain the cause for his/her having starting the fire.
If the Fire Department counselor feels that professional counseling is warranted, a recommendation is
made to the parent for voluntary action. The Firefighters then follow up at a later date to determine the
child's progress.
Earthquake Preparedness
The Fire Department coordinates the annual Earthquake Preparedness Month activities and provides
support and resources for anyone in need of information. Approximately 295 Manteca City employees
participate each year in these exercises. Members of our Department receive training on how to prepare
for, and respond to, the potential earthquake that our area is prone to. The Department in turn, prepares
and delivers classes to the public when requested, on how to best prepare your family for this type of
disaster.
Other Public Education Efforts
The Fire Department meets with the various Neighborhood Watch Groups and provides information
regarding home safety, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and home inspection programs. Our
personnel provide informative classes and demonstrations on the use and types of fire extinguishers to
various civic groups, businesses and organizations.
Fire Department personnel install smoke detectors and/or change their batteries in the homes of
Senior Citizens. This service is provided free of charge, when the citizen provides the smoke detector
and battery. Smoke detectors are available through the Manteca Senior Citizens Center.
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