New Fire Station 98 Opens in Desert Hot Springs

The station is expected to enhance emergency response and fire protection in the growing community.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:39pm

A new fire station has opened in Desert Hot Springs, California, providing a critical boost to public safety in the eastern portion of the city. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fire Station 98 was attended by CAL FIRE leaders and city officials, marking the completion of a project that began in November 2025 to expand emergency response capacity and strengthen fire protection for the growing community.

Why it matters

The new fire station is expected to play a key role in improving response times and overall public safety for Desert Hot Springs residents, especially in the eastern part of the city where the station is located. The facility is currently staffed with a four-person engine crew and is planned to transition to a 107-foot ladder truck, allowing for more advanced firefighting capabilities.

The details

Construction and operational planning for Fire Station 98 began in November 2025, with the goal of enhancing both fire and emergency services for the growing community. The new station is being described as a critical investment aimed at expanding emergency response capacity and strengthening fire protection in the eastern portion of the city.

  • The project to build Fire Station 98 began in November 2025.
  • The new fire station officially opened on April 1, 2026.

The players

CAL FIRE

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, a department of the California Natural Resources Agency that is responsible for fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of the state's privately-owned wildlands.

Desert Hot Springs

A city located in Riverside County, California, known for its natural hot springs, spas, and growing community.

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What’s next

A full report on the long-term impact and details of Fire Station 98 is expected to be released later today by local officials.

The takeaway

The opening of Fire Station 98 in Desert Hot Springs represents a significant investment in public safety and emergency response capabilities for the growing community, particularly in the eastern portion of the city where the new station is located.