New Jacumba Fire Station Breaks Ground, Boosting Rural Emergency Services
The County has broken ground on a new fire station in Jacumba, launching construction on a modern facility that County Fire and CAL FIRE say will significantly improve emergency response for the rural community. The new Fire Station 43 is expected to open in 2027.
The 7,100‑square‑foot building will support fire and medical crews serving Jacumba, nearby backcountry areas, and travelers along Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80. County leaders say the upgraded facility will help crews respond faster and more effectively across the region.
“This fire station is pivotal to the protection of the backcountry,” said District Two County Supervisor Joel Anderson. “It is essential that we continue to invest in fire stations like this one to protect and support our communities.”
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham said the station strengthens both fire and medical services in a region where emergency resources are limited. “We have a simple oath- to serve our communities and this fire station will give us the ability to do that for many years to come,” Mecham said. “While people see firefighting as our primary mission, in a rural area like this one, we are also a primary health provider. We deliver pre-hospital and emergency medical care. The new Fire Station 43 will allow our crews to do that more efficiently and effectively.”
County Fire Director Jeff Collins said the project reflects a long-standing commitment to strengthening service to Jacumba and supports the community’s revitalization effort. “Jacumba is remarkable for its history, small-town character and natural environment, and the new fire station will meet the community’s expectation while enhancing the safety and resilience of the area,” he said.
The new facility will include two truck bays, a lobby, office, six dorm rooms, restrooms, kitchen, dining room, day room, and gym. Solar panels and battery storage help power the station, supporting the County’s sustainability goals.
Sustainability is a central focus for the project. The station is designed to meet LEED Gold standards and achieve Zero Net Energy performance, producing as much energy as it consumes each year.
The land for Fire Station 43 was donated by SolaREIT in connection with a solar project now under construction nearby.