Chief King

On behalf of the men and women of the Laguna Beach Fire Department, we welcome you to our website, where I hope you’ll find the information provided helpful and practical to you.  I am proud to lead the hardworking men and women of this well-respected department, to serve and protect our wonderful community, and am honored to serve as your Fire Chief.

First and foremost, I want to assure you that your safety is our top priority.  Our dedicated team of highly trained firefighters and emergency responders are committed to being there for you in times of need, no matter the hour nor the circumstance.  We are here to protect and serve, ready to respond to any emergency. Our firefighters are equipped with the latest technology and tools to handle any situation. 

The Fire Department is a true “all-risk”, full-service emergency response organization. We staff our engines and ambulances with well-trained personnel to deliver advanced life support emergency medical services and emergency response to fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, or any other type of response for which we may be called.   Our sworn firefighters and ambulance operators deliver these services from an array of fire engines and ambulances positioned throughout the four stations within the city.  Our responsibilities include structure and vegetation firefighting, emergency medical care and transportation, shoreline cliff rescue and backcountry rescue. 

We also provide outstanding non-emergency services such as public education, fire and life safety inspections, construction plan review, fire investigations, community risk reduction, and many other administrative functions.  Additionally, we have a highly involved Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer group.

The City of Laguna Beach is a small town with picturesque beaches, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and summer art festivals.  Located in southwest Orange County, Laguna Beach occupies 8.84 square miles, has a population of 23,000, and welcomes over six million visitors each year.

The land in and around Laguna Beach rises quickly from the shoreline into the hills and canyons giving the community its unique topographic features.  Because of the steep topography and surrounding parklands, few roads run into and out of the city. The unique features, open space, and warm climate have also contributed to most of the city residing in the state-designated very high fire hazard severity zone. The beautiful coastline, mountains, and valleys are prone to wildfire, flooding, and other natural disasters.  The fire department trains daily and invests heavily in equipment and technology in order to meet the challenges faced by the community we serve.  We are dedicated to meeting each call for service with professionalism, respect, and pride.  

I firmly believe in partnering with our community to provide the best services for our residents, business owners, visitors, and employees.  Together, we can create a stronger, safer, and more resilient community. 

We hope that you will never need us, but if you do, we stand ready, willing, and highly capable.

Yours in service,

Niko S. King
Fire Chief
City of Laguna Beach Fire Department

nking@lagunabeachcity.net

949-497-0700