DATE:
April 21, 2026
01
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS FOR A NEW TRAINING TOWER AT THE COUNTY FIRE TRAINING CENTER, WORKOUT SHED AT PALOMAR MOUNTAIN FIRE STATION, FIRE STATION VENT REPLACEMENT, AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICTS: 2, 4 AND 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
San Diego County Fire (County Fire) partners with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide fire protection and emergency medical services from 21 fire stations, including around-the-clock paramedic level staffing, specialized rescue services, and coordination of an ambulance transportation program. Fifteen County Fire stations were built prior to County Fire's formation in 2008, with the oldest station in Descanso being over 80 years old. Over time, County Fire and the Department of General Services (DGS) have made significant facility improvements and built new stations to ensure CAL FIRE staff are safe, healthy, and have the resources to provide life-saving services to residents. On January 13, 2026 (9), the Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to authorize County Fire to pilot a major maintenance or capital construction project and determine if financial efficiencies can be realized by leveraging technical expertise and construction delivery methods utilized by CAL FIRE on state-owned fire stations.
One of County Fire's priority projects is the installation of a fire training tower. This project would enhance CAL FIRE staff's ability to respond to emergencies, including in multi-story buildings, to rescue the public while protecting staff. County Fire is requesting Board approval for the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to advertise and award a construction contract or contracts for the construction of Capital Project 1026822 San Diego Fire Training Tower estimated at $3,650,000 and authorization for the Director, San Diego Count...
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