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San Bernardino County Fire Station 63 Relocates to Running Springs for Improved Access

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ates-to-running-springs-for-improved-access.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 22:53 GMT by KTSM
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

RUNNING SPRINGS, CA - March 17, 2026 - In a move lauded by county officials and residents alike, San Bernardino County Fire Station 63 has officially completed its relocation from Crestline to Running Springs. The decision, finalized after months of assessment and planning, addresses long-standing concerns regarding accessibility during the increasingly severe winter storms that impact the San Bernardino Mountains. The move isn't simply a change of address; it represents a significant step forward in the county's commitment to firefighter safety and enhanced emergency response capabilities in a region vulnerable to extreme weather.

The previous location of Station 63 in Crestline, while historically convenient, presented increasing difficulties during periods of heavy snowfall. The narrow, winding mountain roads leading to the station often became impassable, hindering firefighters' ability to reach the station itself and, critically, to respond to emergency calls in a timely manner. These delays not only jeopardized the safety of residents requiring assistance but also put the lives of the responding firefighters at risk as they navigated treacherous conditions.

"For years, we've faced the same challenge every winter," explained Fire Captain Mark Smith during a press briefing at the new Running Springs facility. "Getting our personnel to the station was often as difficult as getting them from the station to an emergency. This created a dangerous cycle, and frankly, it wasn't sustainable."

The relocation to Running Springs provides significantly improved access, with wider, more consistently maintained roadways. While winter conditions still pose challenges, the new location minimizes the risk of being completely cut off, ensuring firefighters can reach the station and deploy to emergencies with greater reliability. This improved access is expected to drastically reduce response times, particularly during critical first minutes of an incident.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford championed the relocation, emphasizing its importance for the entire mountain community. "This isn't just about a fire station; it's about the safety and well-being of our residents and the brave men and women who protect them," she stated. "We've seen increasingly unpredictable and intense weather patterns, and we need to be proactive in adapting our infrastructure and emergency services to meet those challenges. This relocation demonstrates that commitment."

The decision to relocate Station 63 is part of a broader county-wide initiative to bolster fire safety in the San Bernardino Mountains. Alongside the station move, the county is investing in upgrades to road maintenance equipment and protocols, specifically focusing on more efficient and rapid snow removal operations. This includes deploying additional snowplows and de-icing equipment, as well as refining communication strategies to ensure residents are informed about road closures and emergency routes.

Furthermore, the county is exploring options for pre-positioning resources - such as additional fire engines and specialized rescue vehicles - strategically throughout the mountain communities during peak winter months. This proactive approach aims to minimize reliance on accessing resources from distant stations and further reduce response times.

Community members have largely welcomed the relocation. Many residents expressed concerns in the past regarding the accessibility of the Crestline station, particularly those living in more remote areas. The new location is perceived as a positive step towards a more secure and responsive emergency service system.

The success of this relocation will be closely monitored, with data collected on response times, firefighter safety incidents, and community feedback. This data will inform future decisions regarding emergency service infrastructure and preparedness in the San Bernardino Mountains, ensuring the county remains committed to providing the highest level of protection to its residents, even in the face of increasingly challenging environmental conditions. The County is also exploring the feasibility of similar evaluations for other stations within the mountain region, to determine if further relocation or infrastructure improvements are warranted.