Jacumba Fire Station to Get $12.5M Upgrade

New facility will modernize emergency services in the desert town.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A bold, abstract silkscreen print of a fire truck icon repeated in a grid, using bright neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday vehicle into a work of modern pop art.The new $12.5 million Jacumba fire station will bring a pop of color and modern style to the desert town's emergency services.San Diego Today

San Diego County is investing $12.5 million to replace the aging Jacumba Fire Station with a larger, upgraded facility that will improve emergency response capabilities in the rural desert town and surrounding areas. The new 7,800-square-foot station will include modern amenities like a double apparatus bay, dormitory rooms, and a gym, replacing the small, outdated metal building that currently houses the volunteer and paid firefighters.

Why it matters

The fire station upgrade is part of a broader effort by the San Diego County Fire Authority to enhance paramedic services and emergency preparedness across unincorporated communities. Jacumba's location near high-risk fire zones and major highways makes the modernization project crucial for the safety and resilience of the area.

The details

The new fire station will be built on a five-acre site donated by the developer of the controversial JVM Energy Park solar farm project. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027, at which point the current outdated station will be closed. The $12.5 million contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty to construct the 7,800-square-foot facility, which will include a double apparatus bay, offices, dormitory rooms, a kitchen, and a gym.

  • The current Jacumba Fire Station 43 has operated out of a small metal building that does not meet operational, health, or safety goals.
  • San Diego County entered into a $12.5 million contract with Balfour Beatty in 2026 to build the new fire station.
  • Construction on the new fire station is expected to be completed by 2027.

The players

San Diego County Fire Authority

The government agency responsible for fire and emergency medical services in unincorporated areas of San Diego County, including the town of Jacumba.

JVM Energy Park

A controversial solar farm development project that donated the five-acre site for the new Jacumba fire station.

Balfour Beatty

The construction company awarded the $12.5 million contract to build the new Jacumba fire station.

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What’s next

The new fire station is expected to be completed and operational by 2027, at which point the current outdated facility will be closed.

The takeaway

The investment in a modern, upgraded fire station for Jacumba is a significant step in improving emergency services and disaster preparedness for the rural desert town and surrounding communities. The new facility will provide first responders with the resources they need to better serve residents and travelers passing through the area.