Fire Station Replacement
The City of Coronado is evaluating the long-term needs of its public safety infrastructure as part of an initial planning effort to explore the replacement of Fire Stations 36 and 37.
Replacing both facilities represents a generational investment in public safety, with each new station expected to serve the Coronado community for at least 75 years. Through thoughtful planning and a comprehensive evaluation of current and future emergency service needs, the City is working to ensure its next generation of fire stations supports effective emergency response, firefighter health and safety, and the long-term resilience of the community. 
Assessing Current and Future Fire Station Needs
Coronado's existing fire stations were constructed in 1970 and 1971, when the Fire Department responded to approximately 400 incidents annually. Today, the Department responds to more than 2,700 calls for service each year and provides a significantly broader range of emergency services, including advanced life support, State wildfire response, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, emergency management, and beach lifeguard operations.
After more than five decades of continuous service, both stations have exceeded their original operational capabilities and no longer meet the health, safety, space, and infrastructure requirements of a modern fire and emergency medical services agency. The existing facilities were not designed to accommodate today's larger emergency vehicles, specialized equipment, expanded staffing needs, or the evolving demands of emergency response.
Planning for the Next 75 Years
The City conducted the 2026 Coronado Fire Department Community Risk Assessment (CRA) to evaluate current and future public safety needs, providing a foundation for informed recommendations and the planning and design of replacement fire stations that will serve Coronado for generations to come.
A graphic storyboard is available below:
Fire Station 36 | Department Headquarters
Fire Station 36 serves as Coronado's primary emergency response facility and Fire Department headquarters. Its replacement will focus on modernizing infrastructure, expanding operational capacity, strengthening disaster preparedness, and supporting firefighter health and safety.
Key considerations include:
Expanded Apparatus Bays: At least 4 bays to accommodate modern emergency vehicles, with drive-through access where feasible.
Emergency Vehicle Capacity: Space for fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles, reserve apparatus, and specialized equipment.
Updated Living Quarters: A minimum of 12 individual sleeping quarters to accommodate personnel and additional staffing needs.
Administrative Space: Dedicated facilities for Fire Administration, EMS, Training, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, and Beach Lifeguard command.
Health and Safety Improvements: Contamination control areas, equipment cleaning facilities, fitness and training spaces, and modern ventilation and exhaust systems.
Fire Station 37 | Coronado Cays
Fire Station 37 provides critical emergency response services to the Coronado Cays and southern portions of the City. Given its geographic separation from the City's primary fire station and other regional emergency resources, the replacement facility will prioritize operational readiness, reliability, and the ability to function independently when necessary.
Key considerations include:
Expanded emergency vehicle capacity: A minimum of 3 apparatus bays, with 4 preferred (if site conditions allow), to accommodate the frontline fire engine, ambulance, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) engine, reserve apparatus, and utility vehicles.
8–10 individual sleeping quarters to accommodate routine staffing levels while providing additional capacity for temporary staffing increases during large-scale incidents, extended operations, or periods of heightened emergency response demand.
Enhanced operational independence: Infrastructure and support capabilities that allow the station to sustain emergency operations during major incidents, special events, or disruptions in access to outside resources.
On-site training capabilities: Dedicated training features that allow firefighters to maintain operational readiness without leaving their primary response area.
Prioritizing Firefighter Health and Safety
Modern fire stations are designed to do more than house emergency vehicles and personnel. They also play an important role in supporting the health, safety, and readiness of the firefighters who serve the community. Both replacement stations will be planned with modern health and safety considerations, including designated contamination control areas, equipment cleaning facilities, improved ventilation and vehicle exhaust systems, dedicated fitness spaces, and integrated training features. These improvements are intended to reduce occupational exposure risks, support firefighter wellness, and help ensure personnel are prepared to respond when needed.
Project Status and Next Steps
With the CRA complete, the City Council will discuss the Fire Station Replacement Project at the November 17, 2026, meeting. Based on Council direction, the next phase may include engaging a qualified project manager to translate the assessment's findings into specific facility requirements, evaluate potential project delivery methods, and guide the preliminary planning and design process.
As the project progresses, the City will continue to provide updates on planning, design, funding, and future milestones.
