2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Ocotillo Wells Volunteer Fire Dept.

The Ocotillo Wells Volunteer Fire Dept. is the newest fire department to take its place in the ranks of those holding the line in the Back country. It has the distinction of being on the eastern edge of the County.

The volunteer department was started about four years ago. It serves Ocotillo Wells as far as Yaqui Pass near Borrego, south of Hwy 78, and east to Hwy 86 in Imperial County. It also assists the rangers at the Vehicular State Park.

Up until the establishment of the department the community had no fire protection. A bunch of local residents led by Ron Wilson got together and formed the association. They successfully applied for a grant from the County which helped to fund the building of a fire station on Hwy 78, just west of Spring Mountain Road.

The department has one engine, one water tender, one brush truck and one rescue vehicle. There are 14 volunteers on the roster, including three state-registered Emergency Medical Technicians and four first responders, who are trained in CPR. All are under the command of Chief Charles Gann.

The association does a series of fund raisers and drawings to help fund fire protection, which is not tax-supported. In November the association sponsored Thanksgiving Weekend, which was a dinner dance and pit barbecue, which included live entertainment by Gann's own band "Gold Dust."

In March the association puts on the St. Patrick's Day feast with corned beef and cabbage and a dance. They also do one breakfast a month.

According to Agnes Gann "All the members work hard to keep our heads above water as far as keeping our station available. We are the tip end of the county and so we have to do an awful lot of medical calls. We do take care of a lot of offroad people. We wouldn't be able to operate with the donations of just about every business in town. All are just super fantastic."

The chief gets a lot of praise for looking to the training of the volunteers. He is a certified EMT and plans to become a paramedic.

Board meetings are held in the fire house every second Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m., followed by general meetings at 10:30 a.m. Training meetings are held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The station is located at 5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs. The phone number is 767-7430. The mailing address is 2299 A West Hwy 78, Borrego CA 92004.