2007 California Health and Safety Code Chapter 1. Organization

CA Codes (hsc:14825-14831)

14825.  Fire companies in unincorporated towns may be organized by
recording with the county recorder a certificate signed by the
foreman or presiding officer and by the secretary.



14826.  The certificate shall set forth the following matters:
   (a) The date of organization.
   (b) The name of the company.
   (c) The names of the officers.
   (d) The roll of active and honorary members.
   (e) Where an ordinance has been adopted pursuant to Section 14831,
a copy of the determination of the board of supervisors pursuant to
Section 14831.


14827.  The certificate shall be renewed and re-recorded every six
months.


14828.  There shall not be in any one unincorporated town more than
one company for each one thousand inhabitants, but one company may be
allowed in any town where the population is less than one thousand.



14829.  An engine company may consist of not more than 65
certificate members; a hook-and-ladder company of not more than 65
certificate members; a hose company of not more than 25 certificate
members; and a rescue squad company of not more than 25 certificate
members.



14830.  Every fire company shall choose or elect a foreman, who is
the presiding officer, and a secretary and treasurer.



14831.  The board of supervisors of a county which has a population
of 1,000,000 or more on or after January 1, 1985, may, by ordinance,
regulate the formation and continued existence of fire companies.
The board of supervisors may authorize the formation of any new fire
company within the county where it determines that a reasonable level
of fire services does not already exist and where the provision of
supplemental or competing fire services by any other entity would not
result in the mismanagement of emergencies or in confusion to those
seeking aid.
   The board of supervisors may order that any fire companies formed
pursuant to this part may continue to exist upon making the
determination that the circumstances stated above exist.  The board
of supervisors may, by ordinance, establish additional regulations
and criteria for the establishment and ongoing operation of fire
companies organized pursuant to this part.