Vista Fire Rescue

Water safety starts before the first splash.⁠ ⁠ Vista proclaimed May 2026 as National Water Safety Month, recognizing the lifesaving importance of swim lessons, active supervision, emergency readiness, and safe habits around pools, beaches, and other bodies of water.⁠ ⁠ The @thewavewaterpark and @vistafirerescue continue to help families build water safety skills through education, programs, and community outreach.⁠ ⁠ Vista’s water safety pledge:⁠ 1.) Never swim alone.⁠ 2.) Jump in feet first.⁠ 3.) Stay away from pool drains.⁠ 4.) Follow all pool rules.⁠ ⁠ A safer summer starts with a smarter splash.

After a rare medical emergency in January led to a stroke, cardiac arrest and a spinal cord injury, Amadeo’s recovery has been shaped by countless heroes—from the first responders at @oceanside_fire and @vistafirerescue and the @mercy_air flight crew to the physicians, nurses and rehabilitation specialists at Rady Children’s who continue to support him every step of the way. Today, he reunited with many of the people who helped save his life. Now, surrounded by the support of his family and care team, Amadeo continues to make meaningful progress every day. Moments like this remind us what compassionate care looks like. 💙

Congratulations to Vista Fire Rescue EMTS Diego Perez, Noah Ketchum, Dylan Bergman and Fire Cadet Fletcher Golden on their successful completion of the Palomar College Fire Academy! Pictured with the group is Vista Fire Captain Justin Golden- Fletchers proud father!

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Spencer Williams on successfully completing his module two probationary test! Keep up the hard work!

There is a vegetation fire with multiple crews working, in the area of Gopher Canyon and Fairview Drive. There will be visible smoke in the area. Expect road closures on Gopher Canyon Drive and streets in the area. Please avoid the area.

Firefighter Austin Rooke has completed his academy, and received his badge yesterday. Now he “hits the floor” and begins his probationary year. Congratulations, and we all welcome you!

Today was Deputy Chief Bret Davidsons last day with Vista Fire Rescue. We wish him the best of luck in his new role as Fire Chief for the cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar! Thank you for all of your work Chief Davidson, and we wish you the very best of everything in your new job!

Remembering Andy Valenta. Today, April 25, 2026, marks the five-year anniversary of Andy’s passing. Not a day goes by in any of our fire stations without his name being mentioned or a favorite Andy story being shared and passed down to our newer firefighters. He may be gone, but he will forever be remembered.

The purpose of the Vista Fire Rescue Cadet Program is to introduce young individuals to various aspects of the fire service while developing important character traits. Fire Chief Gerard Washington welcomed our new cadets and their families to Vista Fire Rescue yesterday at an orientation held at Fire Station 5. Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Doyle introduced each new cadet and presented them with their official bag.
 
Our current cadets gave the incoming members and their families a look at what the program involves. We ended the orientation the way we end every day at the fire station: around tables, eating and getting to know our cadets and their families. Welcome aboard, everyone!