Deep in the Mojave Desert, where the I-15 stretches across one of the most remote and unforgiving landscapes in California, San Bernardino County Fire Station 53 stands watch. The station in Baker serves more than 5,000 square miles of open desert, federal land and one of the busiest corridors in the nation. More than 220,000 vehicles pass through every day, and when something goes wrong out there, whether it is a semi-truck fire, a traffic collision or a traveler stranded in 105-degree heat, help can be over an hour away. This is not a warning; it is the reality County Fire crews face every single day.
The desert can be a very beautiful place. It can also be deadly for anyone who is not prepared. Before you drive the I-15 or I-40 corridors, know what you are getting into. Pack water, keep your gas tank or EV battery above 50 percent, bring a phone charger and tell someone your route and expected arrival time. San Bernardino County Fire has everything you need to travel safely through our Southern California deserts.
Get the full desert travel safety guide at sbcfire.org/deserttravel/.
Additional County Update News – April 16, 2026
- Sheriff recognizes 56 exceptional service recipients
- Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences – April 6 through April 12
- New CalFresh work and community engagement requirements begin in June
- New amenities open at Prado Regional Park; more to come
- San Bernardino County to host May 5 Budget Workshop and Fiscal Overview
- First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital promote Week of the Young Child
- Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to give shelter dogs a second chance
- Did You Know: Topgolf
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Yucaipa Regional Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Samuel Merrill
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Brandy