Encinitas advances phased plan for Leucadia fire station; council approves short‑term station and staffing approach

The Encinitas City Council unanimously approved a phased plan to upgrade fire and emergency response capacity in the Leucadia (Leivenheim) area.

Fire Chief presented Phase 1 as a near‑term deployment of a temporary fire station at Little Oaks Park (estimated $1.6 million) that would house a Type‑1 engine and provide three‑person staffing. The chief said the department has reserve equipment and two Type‑1 engines already on order for FY 2026; a new engine purchase could cost about $1 million when required. He estimated annual staffing costs for the third crew position at roughly $808,000 for full‑time hires or approximately $648,000 if provided by overtime.

Phase 2 envisions a permanent 6,000–6,500 sq ft three‑bay station that would accommodate a brush truck and provide seasonal crew expansion during wildfire conditions; preliminary cost estimates are $10–$12 million (staff noted inflationary pressures may increase that estimate). The department will pursue SAFER grant funding and recommended partial local matching to improve competitiveness by demonstrating city commitment.

Residents from Leucadia and the Leucadia Fire Council spoke in support, describing local wildfire risk and neighborhood brush‑management efforts. Council praised the outreach, prioritized the phased approach and unanimously approved the recommendation to proceed with the temporary deployment and to pursue grant opportunities and budget planning.

Next steps: staff will refine design and permitting with consultant PBK, return with precise cost and schedule estimates during the FY 2026–27 budget process, pursue SAFER and other grants and continue coordination with the county on potential land options and partnerships.