Ukiah Valley Fire Authority has new acting chief

UKIAH, CA., 7/28/26 — Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and the city of Ukiah announced the appointment of an acting fire chief Monday after the previous chief served seven years. 

Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham was appointed acting fire chief of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, effective immediately, the city announced in a press release. 

The previous fire chief Doug Hutchison served for seven years. The city’s press release did not say why Hutchison is leaving as chief but said he will “continue to assist the organization in an advisory capacity during the leadership transition, helping ensure continuity of operations and a seamless transition for personnel and the community.” 

Buckingham, with a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, has served 28 years in the fire service, 17 of those in Ukiah. Buckingham was serving as the chief fire investigator for the city of Ukiah and the greater Ukiah area. He has had an array of specialized training, including hazardous materials response, technical rescue, swiftwater rescue and more. 

The city said in its press release that it is beginning the process of selecting a new permanent chief.