Pasadena Fire Department Seeks $220 Million for Expansion Plan

The Pasadena Fire Department will present a comprehensive 10-year development plan requiring $220 million when the city’s Public Safety Committee meets on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Fire officials outlined an ambitious expansion targeting the city’s growing population and increased wildfire risks. The plan, according to a preliminary report, addresses changing demographics and urban development pressures.

Three new fire stations top the infrastructure priorities, the report said. Station 33 would be torn down and rebuilt between 2029 and 2031 at an estimated cost of $30.5 million.

Station 37 would follow the same pattern from 2031 to 2033, costing approximately $34 million. The report said a ninth fire station would be constructed between 2033 and 2035 for $37.8 million, excluding land costs.

The Fire Department identified three potential locations for the new station. Options include areas near East Washington Boulevard, along Los Robles Avenue, and near the Rose Bowl.

Personnel additions would begin in fiscal year 2026 with a second operational battalion chief, the report said. Three full-time positions would cost about $1 million annually.

A ninth suppression company would launch between 2028 and 2030, requiring 12 new positions at $5.25 million total. The plan also calls for additional rescue ambulance units and a third ladder truck.

The report said the department wants to enhance emergency response times and serve more special events. Officials cited high-density housing projects and commercial expansion as driving factors.

Weed abatement services would cost $4.3 million over 10 years. A four-person crew would handle brush clearance, invasive plant removal, and trail maintenance.

Additional potential projects include a training center costing up to $20 million that could be built at the City’s Civil Defense Center, with burn buildings and drill towers.

Fire administration headquarters might relocate to the Rose Bowl area if federal funding becomes available,the report said. Station 32 could also be rebuilt by 2035 for nearly $38 million.

Based on current construction costs, the infrastructure total reaches $102.3 million. Each new station carries an estimated price tag of $23.3 million.

Fire officials structured the timeline in phases. Years 1 through 2 focus on battalion chief positions, the report said. Years 2 through 5 add suppression companies and rebuild Station 33.

The final phase spans years 5 through 10, adding ladder trucks and ambulance units while replacing Station 37.

The Fire Department said the plan responds to environmental changes and greater wildfire risks affecting the region and state. It also aims to maintain high-quality public safety services as the city evolves.