Los Angeles County's Board of Supervisors has approved funding for the refurbishment of Fire Station 164 in Huntington Park to the tune of $16 million following a fire that severely damaged the structure earlier this year. The unanimous decision was made to redirect funds from the county fire department's budget reserves directly into reconstructing the station, which caught ablaze in an early morning fire back in May.
The fire at the station was reported just before dawn on May 1, 2024, when a passerby alerted the sleeping firefighters to the blaze. According to a bulletin from the county, teamwork from the station's crew and neighboring fire stations helped to control the fire by 5:17 a.m., remarkably with no injuries reported. Supervisor Janice Hahn, who proposed today's motion, emphasized the importance of the fire department and the urgency for rebuilding, saying, "We have the best fire department in the world right here in LA County, so this fire was a devastating blow to the communities it has served for decades. It's time to get to work and rebuild this treasured part of the community as quickly as possible."
Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias praised the rapid response to the crisis. She said, "Fire Station 164 has long been part of the fabric of Huntington Park. The fire that occurred in May was a devastating loss, but I'm thankful to Supervisor Hahn and Chief Marrone for ensuring that there have been no service interruptions and expediting repairs so that our beloved Station 164 is back in business." The refurbishment project will be managed by the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department.
Moving forward, Hahn has called for a comprehensive assessment of insurance policies covering all county-owned fire facilities. This initiative intends to guarantee complete insurance coverage against future disasters, a measure seen by many as practical and fiscally responsible. The refurbishment of Station 164 marks not just a reconstruction of a building but a renewal of commitment to public safety and community resilience in the face of calamity.
