Joint Fire Training Center Receives $2 Million Federal Award
ARCADIA, CA – As a foothill community, Arcadia has repeatedly faced the threat of fast-moving wildfires, most recently during the Eaton Fire and the Bobcat Fire. With fire season increasingly becoming a year-round concern, the Arcadia Fire Department and the United States Forest Service have partnered to establish a Joint Fire Training Center in Arcadia to strengthen local preparedness and meet growing regional training needs.
“After the devastating Bobcat and Eaton fires, it was clear that wildfire preparedness must continue to evolve. Representative Chu recognized the regional benefit of this project and advocated tirelessly to secure the funding that will make this facility a reality. The new Joint Fire Training Center not only strengthens Arcadia, but all the neighboring communities along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, helping first responders meet future wildfire threats with greater readiness and resilience,” said Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang.
The facility will be constructed on approximately 30,000 square feet of land at the Angeles National Forest Headquarters, located adjacent to the 210 Interstate. Plans call for a four-story training tower featuring live-fire training capabilities and classroom space. The Joint Training Center will also include residential simulation areas within the tower, allowing firefighters to practice hose deployment, ladder operations, rappelling, roof operations, and high-angle rescue exercises.
This unique partnership is designed to strengthen interagency emergency response and improve regional wildfire preparedness. The project was made possible through a $2 million federal grant secured by Congresswoman Judy Chu. While both agencies initially pursued funding in 2024, federal budget delays postponed the final award until February 2026.
“Ensuring our communities are prepared for and protected from natural disasters is one of my top priorities in Congress. From the Bobcat Fire in 2020 to the recent Eaton Fire that destroyed nearly 6,000 homes and took 19 lives, our region has seen firsthand how devastating these disasters can be,” said Rep. Chu. “Arcadia sits along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, which puts the entire community at a higher risk from fast-moving wildfires. That’s why I was so proud to secure $2 million in federal funding for a new Joint Fire Training Center in Arcadia. Through this partnership between the Arcadia Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters will receive essential regional training, improve coordination between agencies, and become better equipped to protect families across the San Gabriel Valley for years to come.”
The $2 million grant will benefit Arcadia, the U.S. Forest Service, and neighboring communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, which regularly face dangerous wildfire conditions.
“The Joint Training Center project is an example of the continued partnership and collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and the City of Arcadia that will serve our firefighters and the people of our local foothills for years to come,” said Robert Garcia, USFS Angeles National Forest Fire Chief.
With major funding now secured, the next phase of the project will include a detailed site assessment and design process. Although the project was last estimated at $2.7 million, rising construction costs and inflation may require additional resources.
Future updates on the project will be posted on the City’s website at ArcadiaCA.gov.
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About Arcadia
Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. With the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.
For more information, visit ArcadiaCA.gov, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram or X.
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