Joint Fire Training Center Receives $2 Million in Federal Funding

As a foothill community, Arcadia has repeatedly faced the threat of fast-moving wildfires, most recently during the 2025 Eaton Fire and the 2020 Bobcat Fire. With fire season now a year-round concern, the Arcadia Fire Department and the United States Forest Service have partnered to establish a Joint Fire Training Center in Arcadia to strengthen local preparedness and meet growing regional training needs.

The facility will be constructed on 30,000 square feet of land at the Angeles Forest Service Headquarters, adjacent to the 210 Freeway. Plans call for a four-story training tower featuring live fire training capabilities and classroom space. The Joint Training Center will also utilize residential simulation within the tower, enabling firefighters to practice hose deployment, laddering, rappelling, roof operations, and high-angle rescue exercises.

This unique partnership will bolster interagency emergency response, helping crews prepare for future wildfires. The project became possible through a $2 million grant secured by Congresswoman Judy Chu. Although both agencies initially pursued funding in 2024, federal budget delays pushed the final award to February 2026.  The $2 million award from Congresswoman Chu will greatly benefit Arcadia and all neighboring cities across the San Gabriel Valley that regularly contend with dangerous wildfires.

With major funding now in place, the next phase of the project includes a detailed site assessment and design process. While the project was last estimated at $2.7 million, rising costs and inflation will likely require additional resources. Potential funding sources include support from the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation and the City's Fire Impact Fee program. Future project updates will be posted on the City's website at ArcadiaCA.gov