Rural Borrego Springs Gaining Improved Fire and Medical Services

The San Diego County Fire Protection District is making good on its promise to deliver fire protection, emergency medical services, and ambulance transportation in Borrego Springs with major improvements underway.

Support for Borrego Springs joining the San Diego County Fire Protection District was initiated by a community-led effort. The transition took place last July, and it began with a promise to improve service levels for the desert community’s 4,000 residents.

This included welcoming 14 Borrego Springs firefighters to the Cal Fire/San Diego Fire team. San Diego County Fire appointed a Desert Battalion Chief to lead the Borrego Fire station. Work has also begun to renovate the fire station and an aging department administration building.

“Ensuring that Borrego Springs has the best possible fire and medical services is crucial for the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Supervisor Jim Desmond. “This transition has significantly enhanced our community’s emergency response capabilities, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”

County fire conducted training sessions for local residents, covering essential skills including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator usage, home fire preparedness, overdose intervention, and wildfire readiness.

Borrego Springs resident Gloria Hoff said she and her husband appreciate what Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire have done, including the Emergency Response Team trainings that stress the importance of preparedness, use of equipment and resources.

“These offerings are critical in our small rural isolated community with limited resources. We are very grateful for these classes and look forward to the next class covering fentanyl and Narcan. Yet another critical subject for all of us here and elsewhere,” said Hoff.

County Fire works to provide fire protection and emergency medical services effectively and efficiently across more than 1.5 million acres of unincorporated San Diego County.