SALINAS, CA – Today, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $18 million in federal funding to replace the Nacimiento Fire Station that was lost in the Dolan Fire.  The U.S. Forest Service will use this funding to replace the fire station, barracks, engine garage, and pumphouse, as well as implement site utilities such as a water well, solar connections, and access roads. 

“The loss of the Nacimiento Fire Station during the Dolan fire was devastating for our firefighters and community.  Maintaining a functional fire station in such a remote location prone to wildfires is crucial to protecting the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding areas,” said Rep. Panetta. “After a few years and some fierce advocacy, I’m glad to see the federal government responding with significant funding to restore the emergency response capabilities at this location.  Considering our constant and extreme vulnerability to wildfires, as well as the resolve to fight those fires by our local fire personnel, I’m proud that the federal government is doing its part to rebuild this station and contribute to the safety of our region.”

“We appreciate Congressman Panetta’s efforts to help secure the funding needed to rebuild the Nacimiento Fire Station,” said U.S. Forest Service Monterey District Ranger, Tim Short. “This fire station has historically played a critical role for wildfire suppression along the Big Sur coast.”

These funds were provided as Supplemental Disaster Funding through the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act of 2021.  The disaster assistance funding is a share of the $1.36 billion of supplemental appropriations provided to the Forest Service.

New information has come to light regarding a February 25 pickup and fire engine crash on Highway 108 near Twain Harte (CA), reports mymotherlode.com.

The collision happened around 1:13 p.m. last Friday near the second entrance to Twain Harte, the report says. While trying to protect first responders and victims in a separate crash on the highway, a Twain Harte apparatus partially blocked the roadway and was hit.

Police officials say that 53-year-old Calin Smith of Pinecrest was driving his 1982 Chevrolet Silverado towing another vehicle on a flatbed on the westbound side of 108. When Smith saw the engine he applied the brakes but couldn’t stop in time due to his speed and the trailer’s lack of brakes, according to the report.

The passenger, Christine Smith, suffered minor injuries to both of her hands and was transported to the hospital. Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to be factors in the crash, the report notes.

Fairfield residents Tuesday approved $5 million in funding for a new fire station, reports ktvo.com. The measure passed with unofficial results showing 75% approval.

“The new station will be built to withstand 125 mph [wind],” the city writes on Facebook. “Additionally, the building will provide a storm shelter for the occupants, built to withstand 250 mph. The proposed fire station will also include an emergency operations command center (EOC). The EOC is the centralized location of emergency response and recovery support operations during incidents. While tactical on-scene operations are conducted, the EOC supports and helps coordinate field operations and any other adjacent incident operations. The EOC will also be located within the storm shelter area, providing the 250-mph protection; which is something currently not available within Jefferson County.”

The new station, which will replace the current 50-year-old facility, is expected to be built on the corner of W. Briggs Avenue.

It will include a training tower, storm emergency command center, airlocks, sleeping quarters, and an equipment bay.

A three-year-old Crossville ladder truck may be a total loss after an electrical accident last month at Station 2 fried the apparatus, reports newstalk941.com.

A February 11 routine check by a senior firefighter was the root cause. He fully extended the ladder and contacted electrical lines adjacent to the facility, officials say. About 14,000 volts ran through the apparatus and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage. The radio station said the firefighter no longer works for the department.

The electrical system was fried and most of the ladder was burnt off, the report says. Officials say the department now needs to transport the ladder truck to the WI Pierce Refurbish Center, which is set to cost about $9,000 with insurance covering about $4,000.

Once Pierce receives the apparatus, it will prepare a damage assessment and figure out if it makes financial sense to fix. On the heels of the accident, a budget amendment needs to be made; the item will be considered by the Crossville City Council Tuesday.

No injuries were reported, but the department may suffer long-term impacts from the loss.