CAL FIRE-BUTTE COUNTY MOVES INTO A NEW HQ
OROVILLE >> Now that the project is complete, Cal Fire Butte County has moved into its new headquarters at 176 Nelson Ave. in Oroville.
The new facility, which was completed under a statefunded project, replaces a nearly 70-year-old compound that was considered out of date and no longer met the needs of the department. Cal Fire-Butte County said its new headquarters will allow the department to consolidate many of its operations on one site.
Additionally, the site will be the administrative headquarters for the Butte County, Paradise, Gridley and Biggs fire departments, all of which are contracted with Cal Fire for services under a cooperative fire protection agreement.
Among the features of the new headquarters include:
• A 1,500-square-foot training room that can be split in half to accommodate two classes simultaneously;
• 28offices for administration, operations, training and other staff;
• Two full-service auto shops;
• An upgraded Emergency Command Center;
• A 10,000-square-foot supply and service center;
• A new three-engine fire station, Station 63, which serves Thermalito and the surrounding areas.
“We are excited to unveil our new headquarters,” said Cal Fire-Butte County Fire Chief John Messina in a press release. “This modern facility will allow the fire department to better serve the citizens of Butte County for decades to come.”
The property has been used by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection — now known as Cal Fire — in Butte County since the 1940s.
Cal Fire-Butte County plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony later in the spring after it completes the move-in process.