New Fire Station 98 opens in Desert Hot Springs
Jesus Reyes
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The new Fire Station 98 officially opened its doors in Desert Hot Springs.
Fire Station 98 is located at 69111 Hacienda Avenue. It officially opened on Nov. 24 and is currently operating with a municipally staffed four-person fire engine supported by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department personnel.
City officials touted the station as a major public safety investment that significantly strengthens fire protection, emergency medical response, and advanced life support services for residents and businesses in the eastern portion of the city.
“The safety of our residents has always been, and will always remain, our highest priority,” said Mayor Scott Matas. “Fire Station 98 is more than a new building — it is a powerful statement of our commitment to this community. Every family, every neighborhood, and every business deserves reliable and timely emergency services, and this investment ensures we can meet those needs today and for generations to come. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration and dedication that brought this project to life.”
City officials said the opening of Fire Station 98 significantly improves coverage in an area that continues to grow in both population and service demand.
The station will soon transition to Quint 98, a 107-foot ladder truck equipped with a water tank and pump. The transition will provide enhanced firefighting, rescue, and high-angle response capabilities for the community.
“Fire Station 98 enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies throughout the eastern region,” said Bryan White, Division Chief, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. “This station gives our firefighters the tools, the location, and the resources they need to reach residents faster and provide the highest level of service. We are proud of our partnership with the City and remain committed to protecting every neighborhood with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”
Fire Station 98 features state-of-the-art design, modern living quarters, and enhanced operational space to support 24-hour emergency response. The newly constructed facility includes:
• 8,729 sq. ft. total station footprint• 4,723 sq. ft. living quarters• 4,006 sq. ft. apparatus bay• 400 sq. ft. support/storage building• Expanded Advanced Life Support (ALS) and pre-hospital emergency medical services coverage for the eastern region