More than 100 community members and dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new San Bernardino County Fire Station 98 in Angelus Oaks. The ceremony kicked off with the County Fire Department Color Guard accompanied by Local 935 Pipes & Drum Band.
Fire Station 98 serves over 400 residents of Angelus Oaks, Barton Flats, and Seven Oaks, along with State Highway 38 from Valley of the Falls Drive to Onyx Summit. On average, Station 98 firefighters respond to 175 calls a year, mainly medical calls and traffic collisions. They actively assist the Sheriff’s Department with search and rescues, as well as the U.S. Forest Service.
Funding for this $2,275,000 project came from the County general fund. “When the Board of Supervisors is able to support the building of much needed fire stations, it shows that the economy in our County is rebounding,” stated 3rd District County Supervisor James Ramos. “Public safety remains a priority for me and the Board. A fire station in Spring Valley Lake in the High Desert is also being built and will be completed next month.”
Pesavento Construction of Las Vegas, Nevada started construction on the 5,570 square foot facility in October of 2012. The station includes an apparatus bay, a community/training room; living quarters, and an approximate 1,200 square foot mezzanine area that can be used for storage and other future needs. Station 98 houses a fire engine, a brush engine, a brush patrol, a snow cat and a skid steer.
“This is a great day for the community of Angelus Oaks. This is really the community fire station,” stated County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “This tight knit community first gained fire service in the early 1970’s when the town’s people felt the need and build an apparatus bay. This is their house and I am proud to serve as their Fire Chief.”
County Fire previously served the Angelus Oaks area out of an aged and substandard fire station that was constructed over 40 years ago as a storage facility for fire apparatus. An office and training room was added to the station 25 years ago. That building has since been demolished to make way for this functional station.
More photos of the event are posted at www.sbcfire.org under latest news.