03/25/2026
McDermott Station Structure Fire:
At 4:45am on March 18, Company 32 was dispatched along with multiple other resources to a commercial structure fire at our own McDermott Station (at the corner of Felton Empire and Empire Grade). Initial fire attack consisted of a combined Company 32/Calfire crew and was rapid, aggressive, and successful - containing the fire to the Water Tender that was already well involved at the time of arrival. Search of the building revealed no victims. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians during the fire or the ensuing operations. Unfortunately, our Water Tender, WT32 is a total loss, and our Wildland Engine, E332 has damage and will be out of service for repairs. There is an active arson investigation surrounding this fire.
In a testament to our local fire community, the response consisted of 5 engines, a neighboring water tender, a Batallion Chief, and the Duty Chief. Once the initial fire was extinguished, we immediately had engines staged to cover Bonny Doon in the event of any other incidents occurring at the same time. Additionally, thanks to the coordination of our chiefs and neighboring companies, we had a loaner water tender and engine available and in place for Company 32's use and ready to protect the area before 1pm that afternoon.
Company 32 continues to be in service, available, and responding to emergencies in our community alongside our Calfire teammates.
*Photo of WT32 was taken from when we received it just over two years ago