County Breaks Ground on Fire Station No. 1

County officials gathered this week to break ground and kick off construction of a new fire station, Tulare County Fire Station No. 1 on April 16, 2019. The County has planned for the relocation of Fire Station No. 1 from its current location in a Cal Fire facility since the department’s formation in 2006.

“This new fire station is a result of the forward thinking and investment efforts made by previous members of the Board of Supervisors and the continued efforts of the current Board to carry out these investments,” shared Chairman Kuyler Crocker, County Supervisor representing District One.

“Investing in our public safety departments is of upmost importance and this new facility will better enhance the safety needs to this area of the County.”

In an effort to strategically enhance the County’s public safety services, the new station will provide a permanent County-owned facility that is also centrally located in the area of response. The new location will be at Avenue 256 and Road 140, south of Visalia and adjacent to the County’s Transportation and Maintenance and Animal Services facilities.

“This new location will be instrumental meeting our goals to reduce risks to public safety and provide compassionate service to those in need,” stated Tulare County Fire Chief, Charlie Norman at the groundbreaking event. “Our new fire station will provide for quicker responses to the neighboring schools and communities in this area.”

In addition to housing fire personnel, the new facility will also include a community room to allow for public outreach and community involvement for nearby schools.  

Construction of the new fire station is estimated to cost $4 million and is fully funded by the County’s Capital Projects fund. The station is set to be completed and fully operational early next year. Construction of the project was awarded to Forcum Mackey Construction, Inc. of Ivanhoe.