North Shore, Desert Center Get New Fire Stations

New Fire Stations in North Shore and Desert Center Approved

RIVERSIDE – For the first time in a decade, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors has made a major investment in county fire stations.  The Board on Tuesday approved plans for two county fire station projects to replace aging and outgrown facilities in the Salton Sea community of North Shore and the eastern Riverside County community of Desert Center.

The two future stations are the first of many more that will be needed as Riverside County continues to grow.

Both projects will be constructed through a public-private partnership between Tilden‑Coil Constructors, Inc., the Riverside County Facilities Management Department and the Riverside County Fire Department.

Construction is expected to start in summer 2022, with both facilities anticipated to be opened in 2023.

“New fire stations in North Shore and Desert Center have long been needed and are long overdue,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, the county Supervisor for the communities of North Shore and Desert Center. “I want to thank and credit our staff for finding a way to advance both of these vital infrastructure projects for our communities. I also extend my appreciation to our dedicated individuals in the fire service who keep our communities protected.”

The existing North Shore Fire Station 41 and Lake Tamarisk Fire Station 49 were designed for staffing of one person, when both stations now have three or four fire personnel. Both facilities have long been slated for replacement. The stations will continue operating while construction of the new facilities takes place on adjacent parcels.

The new fire facilities will be state of the art and are designed and being constructed for a 50-year lifespan. These new buildings will provide the fire department the infrastructure to meet current and future needs as the communities grow or change over time.

Approximately 44% of the project funding will come from the Fire Department budget, with another 44% from development impact fees, and 12% from the county’s solar fund.