City of Desert Hot Springs and CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Announce Opening of Fire Station 98, Expanding Emergency Response Capacity in Eastern Region
DESERT HOT SPRINGS —The city, in partnership with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, has officially opened Fire Station 98, a major public safety investment that significantly strengthens fire protection, emergency medical response, and advanced life support services for residents and businesses in the eastern portion of the City.
Located at 69111 Hacienda Avenue, Fire Station 98 (Long Canyon) officially opened on Nov. 24, and is currently operating with a municipally staffed four-person fire engine supported by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department personnel.
Expanded Emergency Response Capabilities
The opening of Fire Station 98 significantly improves coverage in an area that continues to grow in both population and service demand. The station will soon transition to Quint 98, a 107-foot ladder truck equipped with a water tank and pump. This transition will provide enhanced firefighting, rescue, and high-angle response capabilities for the community.
A Modern Facility Built for the Community’s Future
Fire Station 98 features state-of-the-art design, modern living quarters, and enhanced operational space to support 24-hour emergency response. The newly constructed facility includes:
- 8,729 sq. ft. total station footprint
- 4,723 sq. ft. living quarters
- 4,006 sq. ft. apparatus bay
- 400 sq. ft. support/storage building
- Expanded Advanced Life Support (ALS) and pre-hospital emergency medical services coverage for the eastern region
Project Overview
- Project Name: Fire Station 98
- Location: 69111 Hacienda Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Construction Cost: $8,592,000.00
- Funding Source: Public Safety Bonds
- Scope of Work: Construction of a new fire station and site improvements
- Project Status: Completing final construction punch-list items; full project completion expected by end of 2025
Leadership Remarks
“The safety of our residents has always been, and will always remain, our highest priority,” said Mayor Scott Matas. “Fire Station 98 is more than a new building — it is a powerful statement of our commitment to this community. Every family, every neighborhood, and every business deserves reliable and timely emergency services, and this investment ensures we can meet those needs today and for generations to come. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration and dedication that brought this project to life.”
“Fire Station 98 enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies throughout the eastern region,” said Bryan White, Division Chief, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. “This station gives our firefighters the tools, the location, and the resources they need to reach residents faster and provide the highest level of service. We are proud of our partnership with the City and remain committed to protecting every neighborhood with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”
A Continued Commitment to Public Safety
The opening of Fire Station 98 reflects the City’s broader commitment to expanding critical infrastructure, improving response capacity, and ensuring Desert Hot Springs remains a safe and resilient community. As part of the City’s long-term public safety strategy, investments like Fire Station 98 help ensure emergency personnel have modern facilities, the latest equipment, and the resources needed to meet increasing service demands. The official Ribbon Cutting date, scheduled for January, will be announced in the coming weeks.
