The Coastside Fire Protection District (CFPD) is an independent government body, managed and controlled by a locally elected five member Board of Directors. The board has full responsibility for all policy, performance, and finances of the District. The mission of the CFPD is to protect lives, the environment, and property, through fire protection, suppression, emergency medical and rescue actions and public education. The District is funded predominately though a percentage of property tax, this rate has not been increased in forty years.  

In 2008, the District entered into a cooperative fire protection contract with CAL FIRE. Through this agreement, CAL FIRE is the operational service provider for the District, providing all operational staffing, management and personnel necessary to accomplish the Districts mission. Daily staffing includes three front-line Advanced Life Support (ALS) three-person engines companies out of stations in Half Moon Bay, El Granada, and Moss Beach as well as a Battalion Chief. American Medical Response provides ambulance transport within the District.

The District received two “District of Distinction” accreditations (2016 and 2020) by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. Additionally, the District received a “District of Transparency” accreditation in 2020.