The Higgins Area Fire Protection District provides fire protection and emergency service response to an estimated 12,000 permanent residents in southern Nevada County. The District’s 90-square mile area is primarily rural zoning, with the exception of the Lake of the Pines gated community, and is serviced by three fire stations located geographically at six-mile intervals.

The Higgins Fire District is a public agency, supported by public funds and governed by an at-large board of directors. This special district was established November 8, 1977. The goals and objectives of the Fire District consist of five equally important elements: fire prevention, fire protection planning, fire suppression/emergency incidents, emergency medical service/rescue, and training.

The Fire District is a combination department, consisting of career staff and paid call firefighters. Additionally, the District contracts with CalFire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) to provide 24-hour engine staffing during non-fire season. CalFire response is not, however, limited to the contract period as the two agencies are co-located at the main station on Combie Road. The District also maintains mutual and automatic aid agreements with surrounding fire districts and other fire agencies in Nevada and Placer Counties.