MORONGO, Calif. – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians marked a major milestone in regional public safety today with the grand opening of its new Fire Station #1. The modern, 15,000-square-foot facility will enhance emergency response capabilities on the Morongo Reservation and throughout the San Gorgonio Pass.
Replacing the previous station that served the community since 1998, the new facility is located at the intersection of Morongo and Santiago Roads. It is equipped with advanced response technologies, dual apparatus bays, expanded living quarters, and an early earthquake detection system. The station features reinforced construction and backup power systems to remain operational during disasters such as wildfires and floods.
Designed to accommodate up to 12 personnel per shift, the station now serves as the operational base for the Morongo Fire Department, a full-service agency with nearly 50 professional firefighters, EMTs, and ambulance personnel. The department responds to more than 1,500 calls annually, with nearly half occurring outside reservation boundaries…