History

The Burbank Fire Corps Program represents over 60 years of community service evolution, adapting and growing to meet the changing emergency preparedness needs of the Burbank community.

Early Foundations: 1946-1989

• Established during the post-World War II Civil Defense era
• Burbank Disaster Council formed in 1946, marking the formal beginning of organized volunteer emergency services
• Focused on civil defense and community preparedness during Cold War era
• Volunteers played crucial roles in emergency preparedness and response
• Developed foundation for future community-based emergency programs

BRACE Program: 1990-1999

• Introduced BRACE (Burbank Ready for Any Community Emergency) program
• Pioneered integration of FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concepts
• Adapted national emergency response protocols for local implementation
• Enhanced community involvement in disaster preparedness
• Established training protocols for volunteer emergency responders
• Created stronger links between community members and emergency services

Community Disaster Volunteers: 2000-2009

• Launched Community Disaster Volunteers (CDV) program
• Earned recognition as a model program throughout Los Angeles area
• Expanded scope of volunteer emergency services
• Strengthened community-based disaster response capabilities
• Developed comprehensive training programs
• Built partnerships with regional emergency response organizations

Fire Corps: 2010-Present

Organizational Transformation

• Adopted NVFC Fire Corps model in 2010
• Implemented enhanced accountability measures
• Established structured training requirements
• Developed local certification programs
• Created clear operational protocols

Key Partnerships

• California Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Service Worker (DSW) Program
• Citizen Corps through CERT program
• Burbank Fire Department Emergency Services Division
• Regional emergency response agencies
• Local community organizations

Core Missions

1. Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS)

   • Emergency communications support
   • Radio monitoring and relay
   • Field communications operations

2. Arson Watch

   • Hillside patrol during high-risk conditions
   • Fire prevention monitoring
   • Suspicious activity reporting

3. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Support

   • Rapid response capabilities
   • System activation and maintenance
   • Coordination support

4. Public Education

   • “Ready Burbank” campaign leadership
   • Disaster preparedness training
   • Community outreach programs

5. Canteen Services

   • Support for emergency responders
   • Hydration and nutrition services
   • Extended incident support

6. CERT Operations

   • Training and certification
   • Urban Search and Rescue capabilities
   • Disaster response teams