The Tim Olsen Memorial Fire Station is getting a major energy upgrade!
Thanks to funding through the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), in partnership with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), and the installation work of Stephens Electrical, Briceland Volunteer Fire Department is adding solar generation and battery storage to our fire station.
Southern Humboldt has played a significant role in the national story of renewable energy and many of our Briceland neighbors have a long history of adapting to life off the grid. From the earliest plans for the new station, incorporating solar power into its design was a natural fit with both our community and our surroundings.
Critically, our new battery storage system will provide backup power during electrical grid outages, helping keep the fire station operational when our community needs emergency services most. In an area where power outages can accompany wildfire, severe weather, and other emergencies, the ability to generate and store electricity on site adds another layer of resilience to our emergency response.
This project is part of LCI’s Energy-Resilient Fire Services in High-Threat Communities initiative, a $3 million investment led by Redwood Coast Energy Authority to help fire stations across the North Coast maintain critical operations during emergencies. The initiative includes partnerships with fire departments and Tribal fire agencies throughout the region, including Briceland Volunteer Fire Department.
LCI recently highlighted the project during a joint Regional Resilience Grant Program and Adaptation Planning Grant Program site visit to Humboldt County. Altogether, LCI has invested $4.68 million in climate adaptation and resilience projects across California’s North Coast, supporting projects focused on energy resilience, wildfire prevention, climate adaptation, and community preparedness.
