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 Fireman's 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 CAL FIRE. 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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