There’s a new beacon of safety in Tuolumne County! Discover the incredible new Station 85 of the Chicken Ranch Fire Department, a multi-million dollar investment poised to revolutionize local emergency services. From its cutting-edge engine to self-sufficient operations, this station is ready for anything. What does this mean for community safety?

Tuolumne County’s emergency response capabilities have received a significant boost with the grand unveiling of the state-of-the-art Chicken Ranch Fire Department Station 85. This cutting-edge facility, a testament to forward-thinking community investment, promises enhanced safety and more efficient service for residents across the region, marking a pivotal moment for local infrastructure and public welfare.

The new station represents a substantial commitment from the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California, who invested approximately $7 million into its development. This comprehensive funding covered not only the advanced construction of the building itself but also critical equipment and essential staffing, ensuring Station 85 is fully equipped from day one to serve its vital purpose.

At the heart of the new department’s operational readiness is Engine 851, a Type 1 fire engine meticulously constructed by Hi-Tech Emergency Vehicle Services of Oakdale. This centerpiece apparatus commanded a base cost of $750,000, with an additional $150,000 allocated for specialized tools, cutting-edge technology, and essential gear. Its distinctive black-and-gold lettering and arrowhead Chicken Ranch Fire Department door emblems proudly signify its identity.

Strategically located on Nelson Road, just three miles southeast of downtown Jamestown, Station 85’s expansive design is a deliberate part of its long-term vision for growth. An automatic-aid agreement with Tuolumne County ensures that the department responds to calls throughout the wider area, encompassing communities like Chinese Camp and Columbia, not solely the immediate tribal lands or the Chicken Ranch Casino Resort. This integrated approach solidifies its role as a regional asset, making Tuolumne County safer.

The department has already demonstrated its readiness and impact since becoming operational. Personnel from Station 85 recently responded to a significant fire at the Chinese Camp mill lumberyard, dedicating five hours to combat the blaze due to the heavy timber and fuel involved. Additionally, they assisted in the mop-up operations for a 25-acre fire off Yosemite Junction, underscoring their active and crucial role in county-wide emergency incidents, highlighting the Emergency Services provided.

Beyond its robust response capabilities, Station 85 is designed for remarkable self-sufficiency. It features its own dedicated air compressor room, vital for maintaining self-contained breathing apparatus tanks and ensuring fire engine tires are optimally inflated. Furthermore, Chief Aimee New secured a $30,000 industrial front-loading washing machine, donated by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, capable of HAZMAT-level cleaning to remove carcinogens and blood pathogens from firefighters’ turnout gear, enhancing Fire Safety.

The extensive facility also includes a specialized training tower room with three flights of stairs, essential for cleaning, draining, and drying hoses, as well as for ongoing personnel training. Complementing its functional spaces are comfortable sleeping quarters and a well-appointed kitchen, providing comprehensive amenities for the dedicated team. Its proximity to the new nine-floor Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, now the county’s tallest building, also necessitates specific emergency preparedness, making the Chicken Ranch Fire Department a crucial resource.

Both Chicken Ranch Tribal Chairman Joseph Mathiesen-Powell and Chief Aimee New express immense pride in the new Chicken Ranch Fire Department. Mathiesen-Powell conveyed a deep sense of satisfaction seeing Engine 851 on the highway responding to calls, emphasizing its role in adding an additional fully staffed fire engine to the county’s emergency response network. This significant enhancement boosts community resilience and rapid intervention capabilities.

Chief New, an experienced leader with over 30 years in firefighting, previously served as the Sonora Fire Department chief before her retirement and subsequent transition to the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California. Her extensive background and dedication are instrumental in establishing Station 85 as a beacon of modern emergency services, reinforcing the Station 85’s professional and expert leadership.