Sandbags in Unincorporated Areas—Where to Find Them, How to Use Them—Ahead of Possible Weekend Storms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgtqP6JycBk

National weather forecasts predict potential heavy rain across San Diego County this weekend, and the County and CAL FIRE are helping residents prepare by offering free sand and bags to protect homes and property.

Heavy rain can trigger flooding and erosion, especially in areas without landscaping, plants, grass and trees. Runoff can carry topsoil, mud, plants, pollutants and debris off land and downstream, damaging homes and property, clogging culverts and storm drains, polluting waterways and flooding roads.

San Diego County doesn’t often experience severe storms, so the El Niño warnings serve as an early wake-up call to get ready. Officials encourage residents to pick up free sandbags now, before any rain arrives.

Sand and bags, or bags alone depending on the location, will be available to residents who live in the unincorporated areas at at the fire stations listed below.

People who live in incorporated cities can find sandbag pick up locations on the County’s complete list of sandbag locations.

Visit the County’s AlertSanDiego El Niño 2026 Informational Hub for more guidance on preparing for the storm,

County and CAL FIRE Locations for Unincorporated Communities

Sand & Bags

NOTE: People should call ahead to double-check availability and remember to bring a shovel to fill the bags. Some stations may have a limited supply.

Bonita – Sunnyside Fire Station #38 (Map)

4900 Bonita Road Bonita, CA 91902P: 619-479-2346

Boulevard Fire Station #47 (Map)

40080 Ribbonwood Road Boulevard, CA 91905P: 619-390-2020

Dulzura Fire Station #30 (Map)

17304 Highway 94 Dulzura, CA 91917P: 619-468-3391

Fallbrook – De Luz Fire Station #16 (Map)

39431 De Luz Road Fallbrook, CA 92028P: 760-728-2422

Fallbrook – Pala Mesa Fire Station #4 (Map)

4375 Pala Mesa Drive Fallbrook, CA 92028P: 760-723-2024

*Closed for construction as of July 2026; expected to remain closed through 2027*

Julian – Cuyamaca Fire Station #56 (Map)

3407 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036P: 760-765-2885

Julian – Fire Station #50 (Map)

1587 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036P: 760-765-0511

Lakeside River Park Conservancy (Map)

12108 Industry Road, Lakeside 92040

NOTE: Please direct requests for the Lakeside River Park Conservancy to Jeremy Davis, Lakeside Fire Protection District (619-390-2350)

Mon – Fri 7- 4:30, Sat. and Sun.

During major storms Sat and Sun 9-2.

Bring your own shovel. Limited pre-made sandbags for elderly and disabled.

10 per household

Palomar Mountain Fire Station #79 (Map)

21610 Crestline Road, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060P: 760-742-3701

Potrero Fire Station #31(Map)

25130 Highway 94 Potrero, CA 91963P: 619-478-5544

Ramona Fire Station #81 (Map)

24462 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-789-9465

Ramona Fire Station #82 (Map)

3410 Dye Road Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-788-2269 P: 760-789-0107

Spring Valley Library (Map)

836 Kempton St. Spring Valley CA 91977P: 619-463-3006

Valley Center Fire Station #2 (Map)

28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road Valley Center, CA 92082P: 760-751-7605

Warner Springs – Sunshine Summit Fire Station #59 (Map)

35227 Highway 79 Warner Springs, CA 92086P: 760-782-9113

Bag Only Locations

Alpine Fire Station #17 (Map)

1364 Tavern Road Alpine, CA 91901P: 619-445-2635

Borrego Springs Fire Station #60 (Map)

2324 Stirrup Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004P: 760-767-5436

Borrego Springs – Ocotillo Wells Fire Station #61 (Map)

5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004P: 760-767-7430

Campo Fire Station #40 (Map)

31577 Highway 94 Campo, CA 91906P: 619-478-5516

Campo – Lake Morena Fire Station #42 (Map)

29690 Oak Drive Campo, CA 91906P: 619-478-5960

Deer Springs Fire Station #11 (Map)

8709 Circle R Dr, Escondido, CA 92026P: 760-749-8001

Deer Springs Fire Station #12 (Map)

1321 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069P: 760-741-5512

Deer Springs Fire Station #13 (Map)

10308 Meadow Glen Way E, Escondido, CA 92026P: 760-751-0820

Descanso Fire Station #45 (Map)

24592 Viejas Grade Road Descanso, CA 91916P: 619-445-7508

El Cajon – Harbison Canyon Fire Station #24 (Map)

551 Harbison Canyon Road El Cajon, CA 92019P: 619-445-5001

El Cajon – Flinn Springs Fire Station #21 (Map)

9711 Flinn Springs Road El Cajon, CA 92021P: 619-443-7121

Escondido – Miller Fire Station #15 (Map)

9127 W. Lilac Road Escondido, CA 92025P: 760-728-8532

Intermountain Fire Station #85 (Map)

25858 A Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-789-3710

Jacumba Fire Station #43 (Map)

1255 Jacumba Street Jacumba, CA 91934P: 619-766-4535

Jamul – Deerhorn Fire Station #37 (Map)

2383 Honey Springs Road Jamul, CA 91935P: 619-468-3030

Jamul Fire Station #36 (Map)

14024 Peaceful Valley Ranch Rd, Jamul, CA 91935P: 619-669-6580

Julian – Shelter Valley Fire Station #62 (Map)

7260 Great Southern Overland Julian, CA 92036P: 760-765-0155

Lyons Valley – Fire Station #32 (Map)

17759 Skyline Truck Trail, Jamul, CA 91935P: 619-468-3435

Mount Laguna Fire Station #49 (Map)

33947 Mount Laguna Drive Mt. Laguna, CA 91948P: 619-473-8281

Mount Woodson Fire Station #86 (Map)

16310 Highway 67, Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-789-1150

Pine Valley Fire Station #44 (Map)

28850 Old Highway 80 Pine Valley, CA 91962P: 619-578-6621

Ramona Fire Station #80 (Map)

829 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065P: 760-788-2222

Ranchita Fire Station #58 (Map)

37370 Montezuma Valley Road Ranchita, CA 92066P: 760-782-3467 *(Not staffed 24/7)

San Pasqual Fire Station #84 (Map)

17701 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido, CA 92025P: 858-573-1322

Warner Springs Fire Station #52 (Map)

31049 Highway 79 Warner Springs, CA 92086P: 760-782-3560

Written by County News Center | October 8, 2026 | County of San Diego Communications Office

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