Fire stations: alternative power generation.

Existing law designates areas over which the state has primary responsibility for preventing and suppressing fires. Existing law also authorizes the formation of fire protection districts for the purpose of providing local fire protection and other services relating to the protection of lives and property. Existing law requires a skilled nursing facility to have an alternative source of power, as defined, to protect resident health and safety, as defined, for no fewer than 96 hours during any type of power outage. This bill would require a fire station to have an alternative source of power, as defined, to ensure continued operation for no fewer than 96 hours during any type of power outage. The bill would impose specific compliance requirements based on whether a fire station uses a generator as its alternative source of power, or batteries or a combination of batteries in tandem with a renewable electrical generation facility. The bill would require a fire station to comply with its requirements by January 1, 2026. By imposing new duties on local agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.