SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) announced the approval of a ground lease agreement with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to facilitate the construction of a new fire station intended to serve the Wildwood Park neighborhood and surrounding areas of the City of San Bernardino.
This strategic collaboration will see County Fire leasing approximately one acre on the southern portion of the Arrowhead Elementary School property to facilitate the building of a new fire station 227. The lease includes provisions for a long-term commitment that could extend up to 99 years, reflecting a significant investment in community safety and infrastructure.
The new fire station will enhance emergency response capabilities in the City of San Bernardino, offering immediate fire protection services directly adjacent to the school site.
Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. added, “With the City of San Bernardino having one of the highest call volumes in the country, this fire station is a necessary expansion of our capacity to ensure swift, efficient emergency responses. It will significantly bolster our preparedness and ability to protect our community and the surrounding areas, particularly those most vulnerable.”
The modernized, energy-efficient facility is set to replace the community’s existing station, located at 282 W 40th Street, which has proudly operated since 1953. The new station will include additional apparatus space and accommodate additional personnel to meet the fire, rescue and EMS needs for decades to come.
“Supervisor Baca has always been a big supporter of our schools here in San Bernardino City Unified and this new agreement with San Bernardino County Fire would not have been possible without his efforts. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on the community of San Bernardino and the staff and students at Arrowhead Elementary School,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “This partnership is in direct alignment with the District’s recently Board-adopted Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES initiative, where student success is bolstered through collaborations. Great things are happening ‘right here’ in San Bernardino.”
This proximity to the school and residential areas ensures that the fire station is a visible, integral part of the community it aims to protect, further enhancing the safety net for the residents of the City of San Bernardino.
“We are incredibly thankful to the San Bernardino City Unified School District for their partnership and commitment to public safety,” said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey. “Their collaboration on building this new fire station is foundational to our efforts to improve fire protection services, decrease response times and better serve the community of San Bernardino.”
The construction and operational details of the fire station will adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility that meets the growing needs of the City of San Bernardino.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and its services, please visit sbcfire.org.
About San Bernardino County Fire:
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is an all-risk/full-service fire district committed to providing the highest level of service in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. San Bernardino County Fire provides premier Fire, Rescue and EMS Services for over 60 communities, from rural towns to major cities, and all the unincorporated areas of the county.
About Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.
Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is a dedicated public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering a resilient community in the Fifth District of San Bernardino County. With a track record of spearheading projects that uplift neighborhoods, he consistently seeks innovative solutions to advance local development.
About San Bernardino City Unified School District:
The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares more than 46,000 students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about San Bernardino City Unified School District, please visit www.sbcusd.com. Follow @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.