Mutual Aid: We're Stronger Together

Neighbors help neighbors.

This is the basic tenet of the Master Mutual Aid Agreement (MMAA), a statewide framework which enables local jurisdictions to provide assistance to each other during emergencies. It was established to ensure that when an incident overwhelms the resources of a single agency or jurisdiction, help can be quickly mobilized from neighboring communities.

No one community has resources sufficient to cope with any and all major emergencies that could potentially occur. We are stronger when we work together and mutual aid provides the infrastructure to immediately respond when needed.

The mutual aid system is voluntary and no city is required to unreasonably deplete its own resources in furnishing mutual aid. There is a limit on the number of resources a city can send while still ensuring proper coverage for their own jurisdiction. The Los Angeles City Fire Department is a robust agency, fortunate to have the support of our communities to ensure we are properly staffed, well-trained and well-equipped which allows us to not only protect our City but also offer critical assistance to others when resources are stretched thin.

On November 6, 2024, the Mountain Fire erupted in Ventura County, destroying homes and requiring emergency evacuations to save lives. The LAFD received a mutual aid request and immediately sent strike teams, comprising five fire engines and a battalion chief, to their aid. More than 100 members of the LAFD, along with 21 fire engines, a dozer strike team, and additional command and administrative staff, are currently collaborating with the Ventura County Fire Department.

At its core, mutual aid is a commitment to solidarity - a recognition that we are all part of a larger community, and when one is in need, we stand ready to help. In this spirit of cooperation, we ensure that no one jurisdiction faces a major emergency alone.