Frequently Asked Questions

If it's an emergency or you see smoke/fire, call 9-1-1.

For any non-emergency situations where you still need a team to come to you (lock out, lift assist, etc), call the San Mateo County non-emergency dispatch line at (650)368-1421.

 

For any other questions, call our Administration Office at (650)726-5213.

I'm locked out of my car/house. Can you help? 

The District provides free lockout services. Please call the San Mateo County non-emergency dispatch line at (650)368-1421. 

Where can I dispose of expired medications? 

The Sheriff's Office has drop-off bins at their substations: https://www.smcsheriff.com/safe-medicine-disposal-sites

The Fire District Administration Office has some free mail-back packages provided by MED-project: https://med-project.org/

Where can I dispose of sharps/needles? 

https://www.smchealth.org/general-information/sharps-drop-and-mail-back-options

The Fire District Administation Office (1191 Main St, Half Moon Bay) can dispose of sharps/needles for you. Please make sure they are safely contained in a hard-sided plastic container. 

How do I make a Public Records Act Request? 

Records requests can be made through the following links:

  • For Coastside Fire Protection District records requests, contact CAL FIRE (under a cooperative contract with Coastside Fire Protection District to provide fire protection) here.
  • For Dispatch records, contact Public Safety Communications, here.
  • For EMS record requests, contact American Medical Response, here.
I have an old fire extinguisher. How do I dispose of it? 

Residential fire extinguishers are typically dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide, and are not hazardous.  These may be discharged into the regular trash. However, monoammonium phosphate is an irritant to the respiratory tract and to eyes. So, discharge the unit outside, away from kids or pets, wear goggles and a particulate mask. Then recycle the emptied unit as a plastic or metal container. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, bring them into the HHW Program.

Other household hazardous waste, see San Mateo County - Household Hazardous Waste

How do I schedule a smoke detector inspection? 

Send an email to cfpdadmin@fire.ca.gov to schedule your smoke detector inspection

  • Please give 24-hour notice for scheduling
  • These inspections are scheduled Monday - Friday at 4​​:00 PM and 4:30 PM (new times effective 1/11/2021.) 
  • The charge for this inspection is $25.00. You can pay by check, money order or bill to escrow.
  • Smoke detector installation guide
I have a new business in town. How do I schedule for my Business License Inspection? 

Please e-mail or drop-off your completed Application for a Business License Inspection form to CFPDfiremarshal@fire.ca.gov or to the Admin Office at 1191 Main St, Half Moon Bay. Please bring a check or money order for $152.0.  Please make your check paybable to Coastside Fire Protection District. When we have these items, our Fire Inspector will contact you to schedule for your inspection. Thank you!

Where can I have a child car seat safety inspection? 

The Fire District does not perform child car seat safety inspections. Please contact one of the following agencies: