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The El Dorado Hills Fire Department Explorer Program is designed for young adults from 15 to 18 years of age who are interested in learning about a career in the Fire Service. The program is a joint venture with Learning for Life. In addition to learning about the Fire Service, the Explorer program's main goal is to provide the young adult with a sense of responsibility to their neighborhood through on-going community related activities.
The Fire Explorer program consists of a minimum of twice-monthly classroom activities held at Station 86 located at 3670 Bass Lake Road, where instruction is offered by El Dorado Hills Fire Department personnel in the various subjects relating to department operations and functions such as emergency breathing apparatus, first-aid, hose lines, ladders, protective clothing, rescue and other pertinent department subjects. The class schedule is year-round and consists of various "hands-on" operations as well as classroom learning. The department provides full protective safety gear (turnouts) during these training events. Students are not allowed in an environment with hazardous conditions.
After the initial "orientation period", during which the selected explorer candidate is given basic information on department operations, the process known as 'station assignment' or 'ride-along' begins. This consists of the fire explorer candidate being assigned to a selected fire station every month for a pre-determined time period wherein he/she works alongside department personnel in non-emergency activities such as station maintenance, hydrant servicing, training, and public relations. The fire explorer candidate can ride on the assigned apparatus to emergency incidents, but must remain an observer only. The fire explorer candidate is evaluated during each station assignment by a company officer. Unsatisfactory evaluations can lead to disciplinary actions such as reduced station time or dismissal in extreme cases.
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department is very involved with department public relations programs and projects. These public interactions require a "duty uniform:, the expense of which is the responsibility of the explorer candidate. These uniforms consist of designated steel toe leather boots, navy blue pants, black leather belt, light blue shirt. Each explorer candidate must realize and be aware that their presence and actions as an explorer reflect upon the image and reputation of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
Program Requirements
Attendance is mandatory for all classroom activities, public events, station assignments and other actions deemed appropriate by department personnel. A set amount of class absences is permitted by program policy. Absence beyond that amount allowed, results in disciplinary measures such as reduction in station assignment time or dismissal from the program in severe situations.
Education is a key component in developing a successful fire service career. Gaining additional knowledge and training to better one's self cannot be overemphasized or taken too lightly.
- Minimum age of 15 at the time of appointment. Candidate must leave program by their 18th birthday and apply to be a Volunteer Firefighter.
- Minimum grade point average (G.P.A.)- All El Dorado Hill Fire Explorer Post 911 members shall maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 ("C' average) or better at all times while engaged in the program.
- Grades will be reviewed by command staff at the close of fall and spring semesters.
- Good health (in lieu of a physical agility test, Explorer candidates must, prior to appointment, submit proof of successful physical exam by physician)
- No felony convictions
- Reside within El Dorado Hills District
A yearly registration fee, payable upon appointment to the Post, provides liability insurance coverage through the Boy Scouts of America. This is designed as a back-up policy to an individual's private insurance. This policy covers the Explorer member while he/she is engaged in Department authorized events.
For more information contact Explorer Advisor, Jeno Inzerillo at 916 933-3471 or
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