Former fire station in Hesperia destroyed in late night fire

HESPERIA, Calif. — A building formerly used as a fire station in Hesperia was destroyed during a fire just after midnight last night, officials said.

San Bernardino County Firefighters were dispatched to a possible structure fire in the 15000 block of Highway 173, in the Summit Valley area.

An arriving Batallion Chief reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of a commercial building including about 1/3 of the roof involved.

“It was confirmed this location was the building which once housed a county fire paid-call firefighter company several years ago. It had since transitioned to private ownership and was no longer used nor owned by the county. The building was occupied by a private individual and was used for mechanical repair work,” stated a San Bernardino County Fire news release.

As additional firefighters arrived they initiated fire attack to protect the surrounding brush, several vehicles, and a boat which were immediately threatened by fire.

Due to the amount of fire involvement, structural collapse, and lack of available water supply a defensive fire attack was established. The fire was declared out approximately two hours after the arrival of firefighters. Firefighters then transitioned to overhaul operations.

No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

The initial cause of the fire appears to be related to the chimney of a wood burning stove that was in use on the property, officials said.

County Fire would like to remind homeowners that now is the time to clear your property of dead and downed vegetation. Create a defensible space that will allow your firefighters to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

The fire station was originally built for the US Forest Service. It was later purchased by the County during the 1980s and used as a paid-call firefighter station to house a type one fire engine which responded to calls in Las Flores, Summit Valley, Lake Silverwood, and the Cajon Pass.

The paid-call program utilized local citizens to respond from home to the station when emergency calls were received. Area growth, increased call demand, population, and ultimately service consistency required a shift to the current regional service model we use today.

This model insures a more timely response 24 hours per day from a fully staffed paramedic fire engine.

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