Santa Cruz Fire Calls Spike After Pandemic Low: See List

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The Santa Cruz Fire Department saw its call volume spike in 2021 after a pandemic-fueled lull in 2020.

The number of calls increased by nearly 1,000 last year for a total of 8,700.

"We are a small department, but our call volume is that of a big city," the department said.

Here's how those calls broke down in 2021, according to the department.

• Emergency medical services: 4,851.
• False alarms: 494.
• Fire, general: 281.
• Wildfire: 128.
• Building fire: 90.
• Hazardous materials: 79.
• Mutual aid: 62.

Another 121 calls were for unspecified hazardous situations, the department said.