A Glimpse Into The Past...
The City of Indio was incorporated in 1930 and in less than two months, on July 4th, a fire
destroyed several downtown businesses. The fire consumed a billiard parlor, jewelry
store and a mercantile. The Indio Fire Department, with the assistance of crews from the
Southern Pacific Railroad and the Coachella Fire Department, saved the adjoining First National
Bank from destruction.
In 1932, a new Seagrave, 90 horsepower fire engine was placed into service. The City of
Indio charged the County of Riverside $10.00 for each response of the fire engine into the
unincorporated areas. A donation of $25.00 to the firemans fund was also
expected.
In 1934, an agreement to build a new fire station was made between the City of Indio
and Riverside County. The County furnished the labor, while the City provided the
land and material.
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Captain Chavez drives new
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engine thru the City in 1936.
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In 1997, the City of Indio began its Fire Protection Contract with the County of Riverside
who intern contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This
contract agreement opens the door for the City Fire Chiefs to select from the state wide list which
draws some of the finest fire fighters in the country.
Todays Indio Fire Department is made up of one Division Chief, two Battalion Chiefs,
one Fire Marshal, three Safety Specialists, two Fire Inspectors, 54 Paid Fire
Fighters and Paramedics, 15 Volunteer Fire Fighters, 6 Fire Explorers, and one Office
assistant. The Indio Fire Department fleet includes one 100' Tiller Truck company,
one 50' Telesquirt, three Type 1 fire Engines, one Type 2 Fire Engine, four Paramedic
Ambulances, one 1800 gallon Water Tender, and three 3/4 Ton Pickup Trucks.
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