San Diego opens Fire Station 52 in Torrey Pines Mesa, touts electric engine and faster response times

San Diego officials and community representatives on Monday opened Fire Station 52 in Torrey Pines Mesa, a two-story, 14,600-square-foot facility the city says will shorten emergency response times and advance climate goals.

The station opening drew remarks from community leaders and Mayor Todd Gloria, who credited partnerships with UC San Diego and neighborhood groups for delivering the project. Gemma Samala, president of the University City Community Association, said the neighborhood had long anticipated the station's arrival: "And we're very happy to see it opening today." Samala noted the new station complements nearby stations and will improve safety for residents near the UCSD campus and surrounding canyons.

Mayor Todd Gloria framed the project as a public-safety and infrastructure priority for his administration, saying Station 52 "will ensure that our first responders can get to you faster to save lives and protect property." City officials described the facility as having three apparatus bays, office space, a workout room, an equipment locker room on the first floor and nine sleeping quarters on the second floor, including a battalion chief's room.

The mayor also highlighted sustainability features, saying the station houses an electric (EV) fire engine that he called "one of the first in the entire country" and an example of the city's Climate Action Plan in practice. City staff said the station was designed and equipped to meet public-safety needs effectively while reducing emissions.

The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and brief countdown to make the opening official. City officials said the station is now operational and will begin carrying calls for the surrounding neighborhoods.