All are welcome to attend our Open House at the Tim Olsen Memorial Fire Station at 6155 Briceland Thorne Rd in ‘downtown’ Briceland from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on February 21, 2026.
Community members are invited to tour the facilities, meet department personnel, and enjoy food and refreshments as we celebrate this important milestone.
A Vision Realized: The History of the Tim Olsen Memorial Fire Station
The vision for Briceland’s new fire station began decades ago in the 1970s, when Beginnings —our founding organization— secured a one-acre parcel in downtown Briceland with the long-term goal of constructing a fire station to serve the area. That early investment reflected a forward-thinking commitment to public safety that would span generations. Briceland Volunteer Fire was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2008 and began saving funds to support this ambitious construction project.
One of the key visionaries behind this effort was Tim Olsen, who served as C5400 Briceland Fire Chief from 1999 until 2014. Following his passing in 2014, it was decided that the new station would bear his name in recognition of his leadership and lasting commitment to regional emergency preparedness.
Funding for the station was made possible with community fundraising events, generous private donations, and paid operational assignments with CAL FIRE and CAL OES with our department providing local station coverage and emergency response to major wildfires statewide. The department also received grant funding from Coast Central Credit Union and Vocality Community Credit Union, along with a significant allocation from Humboldt County’s Measure Z public safety fund.
In 2020, building plans were formally approved, and ground was broken later that year. Construction of the main apparatus bay and structural components was completed in 2021. Interior build-out, including office space, a training room, restrooms, and a kitchen were started in 2022.
The station serves not only as a modern operational base with adequate apparatus storage and meeting space, but also as a regional training hub. The facility has hosted emergency medical, fire and technical rescue trainings for first responders from neighboring departments across Humboldt and Mendocino counties, strengthening interagency coordination and regional preparedness.
Now that we have finished most of the final touches, we wish to share this vision and to open up for all the community for the first time. Please come and visit us this next Saturday Feb 21st!
