Building the Future of Stinson Beach Fire Safety

Since its establishment in 1949, the Stinson Beach Fire Station has been at the heart of our community, providing essential emergency services. Originally, our volunteer firefighters lived locally and responded to emergencies from their homes, retrieving gear and vehicles at the station. However, due to growing emergency needs, a shortage of local housing, and increasing visitation, our District’s emergency response has had to evolve to a professional staffing model.

While our district continues to rely on dedicated volunteers, we must transition to a more flexible model, one that allows us to scale our response based on seasonal demands and environmental disasters. As our community and environment continue to change, so do the challenges we face. Now is the time to build a fire station that will support this new model and serve us for the next 100 years.

Why do we need a New Fire Station?

Our current fire station was built in a different time, with different needs. Stinson Beach has seen an increase in visitors and has an aging full-time population. This has created the need to professionalize and expand our emergency response capabilities so that we can achieve our overriding goal - to be there for you in your time of need. The time has come to improve, expand and prepare for the future. Here are some facts about our current facility:

• The current station is a converted garage that is being rented from the Community Center.

• It has been modified several times to accommodate the needs of the Fire District, but it is still inadequate. The existing building is not up to current seismic safety standards, posing risks in the event of a major earthquake.

• The current station is located on Escoot creek, and the parking apron out front is being supported by sandbags.  With growing wildfire threats and changing climate conditions, we need a facility designed to support fast and effective emergency response. With the station on the edge of an eroding creek bed, Stinson Beach Fire is vulnerable to flooding and destruction of our access in and out of the engine bay. It is also in a flood inundation area, unlike the location of the new station.

• In addition to the engine, the apparatus bay at the current station also contains the gym, and holds all of the PPE (personal protective equipment).  This means that firefighters and volunteers are exposed daily to the toxins from the diesel engine exhajust and the off gassing of carcinogens from fire fighting PPE and equipment. Even without these additional exposures, cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters in the U.S., with some data showing a higher overall diagnosis rate (9%) and mortality rate (14%) than the general population. 

• The sleeping and living quarters are makeshift at best, with Stinson Captains sleeping in a trailer that is parked in the street outside the station, and Engineers sleeping on a pull out bed in the public day room/kitchen area. There is one bathroom to serve everyone - volunteers, visitors, operations, and administration. Firefighters are highly trained men and women who spend ⅓ of their lives at our fire station working 48 hour shifts to serve our community.  They deserve better.

• There is a tiny office in the back of the current station where the Chief, Administration, and contractors work. and no place (other than the apparatus bay) for the firefighters and volunteers to train, to hold larger meetings, and no place to set up Incident Command for larger disasters.  

• Right now, when a patient comes to the station for immediate care, they are treated on a folding chair in the apparatus bay with no privacy.

• Our facility at 100 Calle Del Arroyo is a garage that is rented from Marin County Fire. It has no kitchen, bathrooms, or living quarters, and holds equipment and supplies only.

A Community-Powered Effort

The Stinson Beach Fire Protection District is an independent district, which means we must look to our community to help fund large capital projects like this one. We are committed to leveraging every available public funding option, partnering with Marin County and other agencies to secure grants and resources. However, the heart of this project will be the generosity and commitment of our local community. Thanks to Measure R our long term funding for operational salaries is taken care of and we are focusing on the one time cost of building a new fire station.

Project Timeline

PASSCODE FOR THE WEBINAR RECORDING IS: #i?57Od8

How You Can Help

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fire station that will protect Stinson Beach for decades to come. We invite you to be part of this critical effort:

• Make a Donation – Every contribution brings us closer to our goal.

• Help Connect Us – Help spread the word and connect us with potential supporters.

• Stay Informed – Sign up for updates and attend community meetings.

If you are looking for more information or ways to get involved, please use the links below.