San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Fire Protection District is delivering on its promise to enhance fire protection, emergency medical services, and ambulance transportation in Borrego Springs. This commitment follows a community-led effort that resulted in Borrego Springs joining the San Diego County Fire Protection District on July 1, 2023.

The transition aimed to improve service levels for the desert community's 4,000 residents. Fourteen Borrego Springs firefighters joined the CAL FIRE/San Diego Fire team. Additionally, a Desert Battalion Chief was appointed to lead the Borrego Fire station, which received a new fire engine, paramedic ambulance, and an additional firefighter to ensure equitable daily staffing.

Renovations have begun on both the fire station and an aging department administration building. Plans are also being considered for a new fire station to better serve community needs.

“Ensuring that Borrego Springs has the best possible fire and medical services is crucial for the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Supervisor Jim Desmond. “This transition has significantly enhanced our community’s emergency response capabilities, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”

County Fire has conducted training sessions for local residents covering essential skills such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, home fire preparedness, earthquake response tactics, overdose intervention, and wildfire readiness.

“This is a great example of two groups coming together to better serve our community,” said Andrew Strong, Public Safety Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. “Borrego Springs gains more firefighters, more paramedics and updated equipment to promote safety and well-being for our residents.”

“County Fire and CAL FIRE remain committed to serving and safeguarding the people of Borrego Springs and protecting property and resources across San Diego County and the State,” said County Fire/CAL FIRE San Diego Chief Tony Mecham. “Our ongoing efforts include plans to replace the fire station, ensuring continued long-term improvements in the community.”

Borrego Springs resident Gloria Hoff expressed her appreciation for CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire's efforts: “These offerings are critical in our small rural isolated community with limited resources. We are very grateful for these classes and look forward to the next class covering Fentanyl and Narcan. Yet another critical subject for all of us here and elsewhere."

County Fire aims to provide comprehensive fire protection and emergency medical services effectively across more than 1.5 million acres of unincorporated San Diego County.

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