The Sacramento Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Sacramento, California. The department was first organized on February 5, 1850. It was not until March 30, 1872, when it finally became the first paid fire department west of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the city also provides contracted services for the and Natomas Fire Protection District to provide emergency services. This contracted area expands the departments response area to 146 square miles (380 km2) as they provide services to approximately 516,000 residents.