COSTA MESA, Calif. — As fire season approaches, the City of Costa Mesa will have a fresh cut, $2.5 million check to rebuild a regional firehouse training center. 

The money was formally presented by California State Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, D-Laguna Beach, who helped recruit the money from the state budget.

What You Need To Know

  • Costa Mesa will use $2.5 million in state money to help rebuild a regional training center for firefighters

  • The money was presented to the city council Friday, and will help replace a 55-year-old building which will train fire personnel from neighboring cities

  • California is experiencing another years-long drought, with Gov. Gavin Newsom appealing to water suppliers to save water wherever possible

  • Cal Fire has labeled over 40% of Orange County as a "very high fire hazard severity zone"

“This approved state funding will substantially upgrade our firefighter training center,” said Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens in a news release. “This couldn’t come at a better time. With wildfires increasing in numbers and intensity, our fire crews frequently provide mutual aid throughout California and other states.”

Wildfires have become an increasingly challenging and expensive reality in the state budget and daily life of the average Californian. Cities across the state, even those not in wildfire prone territories, are sometimes called upon to send fire engines and accompanying firefighters to contribute.

Even fire engines and personnel from other states, like Nevada, have been sent to stop fires in the Golden State. The state often pays back many of the costs these cities incur. But cities have also nudged their departments, and in some cases their equipment, anticipating a call up to the next big wildfire disaster.

Newport Beach plans to introduce a new fire engine Saturday which will have some off-road capabilities in anticipation of future fires in remote areas.

The state is in yet another years-long drought, with Gov. Gavin Newsom making a May appeal to water suppliers to ramp up efforts to conserve water. Dramatically reduced rainfall can often help create the potential for dangerous fires mistakenly started by humans or occurring naturally. 

Over 40% of Orange County is designated as a “very high fire hazard severity zone,” according to Cal Fire.