Hello, We Are the
Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department
Proudly Serving Dashwood & Meadowood with Trusted Fire and Emergency Services
Welcome to the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department (DFD).
Since 1984, the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department has been committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through fast emergency response, advanced training, and strong community partnerships. With over 40 dedicated paid-on-call firefighters, we respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and wildfires across Dashwood, Meadowood, and the Oceanside region.
Community Protection
From medical emergencies to wildfire response, our team is trained to act fast and serve with integrity. Every call is a chance to make a difference.
Real Training, Real Results
With fully certified NFPA training, leadership development, and hands-on experience, we prepare our members to handle the real-world challenges of emergency service.
Built on Commitment
We are more than a fire department — we’re a family. United by service, driven by purpose, and proud to protect the communities of Dashwood and Meadowood.
Active Fire Stations – Dashwood & Meadowood, ready 24/7.
Dedicated Members & Counting – both career and paid on-call.
Combined Annual Response Hours – from training to callouts.
Volunteer Training Paid – including First Responder, NFPA 1001, and more.
Our Dedicated Firefighting Team in Dashwood & Meadowood
Operating out of Station 61 in Dashwood and Station 62 in Meadowood, the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department is powered by a highly trained and deeply committed team. With over 40 paid-on-call firefighters and 4 full-time career staff, our department stands ready 24/7 to protect life, property, and the environment throughout Dashwood, Meadowood, and the greater Oceanside region.
Our Mission
To prevent harm, To Preserve Life and Property
Our Vision
To be recognized by our community, visitors and our members as model of excellence in all we do.
Our Values
Safety, Leadership, Professionalism, and Service
The Team
Our team includes a diverse mix of junior members, long-time volunteers, and experienced officers who bring leadership and mentorship to every call and training session. Each member undergoes rigorous ongoing training to maintain certifications in firefighting, first response, vehicle extrication, and wildfire suppression. We train weekly and operate as a tightly knit unit where teamwork, accountability, and service are at the core of everything we do.
Led by Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti, our department fosters a professional yet family-oriented culture. Members support each other both on and off duty—through community events, peer mentorship, mental health resources, and shared commitment to growth. Whether responding to a house fire at midnight or conducting FireSmart™ home assessments on a sunny weekend, our crew shows up with skill, strength, and heart.
Station 61
Our central administrative and training hub. This station includes:
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Large apparatus bay and fleet (Engine 61, Squad 6, Tender 61, Wildfire Response Trailer)
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Full training facility with classroom and fitness center
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4 dorms, PPE decontamination areas, and firefighter living quarters
Station 62
Strategically located to support Meadowood and surrounding areas. It features:
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Space for 20+ paid-on-call members
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On-site water tank (17,000 gallons)
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Home to Engine 62, Rescue 62, and Tender 62
Our Firefighting and Emergency Services
The Dashwood Fire Department provides frontline fire suppression, emergency medical response, and technical rescue services to the Dashwood and Meadowood communities. Our responsibilities include:
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Structural firefighting for homes, businesses, and public buildings
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Medical first response, often arriving before ambulance services
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Vehicle extrication and accident scene control
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Wildland fire suppression and mutual aid to the Oceanside area
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Public education and FireSmart™ community safety assessments
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Inspections and pre-planning for commercial buildings and wildfire zones
We operate 24/7 with highly trained teams, modern apparatus, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Get Involved.
Knowledge is your first line of defense. Whether you’re preparing your home for wildfire season or staying alert to changing emergency conditions, these trusted resources help you stay informed and ready.
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Make an impact in your community!
Become a Volunteer Firefighter Today
Join a progressive, inclusive, and rewarding team. Whether you’re 16 or 60, we’ll train you, gear you up, and help you make a difference.
REACH OUT, Join the crew
When you join the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department, you join a team that values safety, integrity, and family. Volunteers are the heart of our department — and we invest in them with paid training, real-life experience, and leadership growth. No experience is needed — just heart, commitment, and a desire to serve.
