Why did I see another Fire Department’s fire engine in Gilroy?
The city participates in an ‘Auto-Aid’ Agreement with the South Santa Clara County Fire District (which is contracted and staffed by CalFire). The “District” has engines located strategically at Gilroy Gardens, Masten and 101, and a 3rd at Watsonville and Monterey. This agreement ensures rapid response from the closest engines and the covering of responses adjacent to the city when one of the other engines is busy on other emergency calls.

The City of Gilroy is also a member of the California Mutual Aid System. This is an agreement that allows Gilroy to call for support, additional resources, and specialized teams if they are needed. It also allows other cities and towns to request Gilroy assets similarly when needed.

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1. What do firefighters do while they are waiting for a fire or other emergency?
2. What schedule do firefighters work?
3. Why do fire engines and ambulances respond on emergency medical calls?
4. Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
5. Why do firefighters use chain saws to cut holes in the roof of a building that’s on fire?
6. Does the Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
7. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?
8. Why did I see another Fire Department’s fire engine in Gilroy?
9. Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?
10. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?