The Fire-Rescue Department protects the life and property of San Diego residents and visitors through a variety of safety services. Serving an area of approximately 343 square miles with a resident population of 1.3 million, Fire-Rescue operates 48 fire stations, an air operations base, two 911 communications centers, a training facility, nine permanent lifeguard stations, and 30 seasonal lifeguard towers. The major activities performed by the Fire-Rescue Department include fire suppression, emergency medical treatment and transport, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire investigation, explosives disarmament, fire safety inspection and education programs, equipment and facilities maintenance, boating enforcement and rescue, beach safety and swimmer rescue, and the operation of two 911 communications centers.