By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
Nov. 10, 2025 | 3:43 PM
Reading Time: 3 minutes
A change in weather is forecasted to bring rains, potentially heavy at times, Thursday night and Friday to San Diego County — meaning it could be a good time to pick up some free sandbags.
As they have in the past, the County and CAL FIRE are providing free bags and/or sand at numerous fire stations for people who live in the unincorporated areas.
Rain can cause flooding and erosion, particularly in areas that are not covered by plants, landscaping, grass and trees. Rain runoff can sweep topsoil, mud, plant material and debris off land and downstream where it can damage homes, clog culverts and storm drains, and flood and damage roadways. Properly placed sandbags can help protect your home from flooding and destructive runoff.
Sand and bags, or bags alone, will be available for unincorporated residents at the fire stations located below.
Please note that to ensure availability, it’s recommended to call ahead and bring a shovel to fill the bags. Some stations may have a limited supply.
Sand and bags
Fallbrook: Pala Mesa Fire Station #4, 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028, P: 760-723-2005
Valley Center: Valley Center Fire Station #2, 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, P: 760-751-7605
Escondido: Deer Springs Fire Station #11 8709 Circle R Drive, Escondido, CA 92026 P: 760-749-8001
Escondido: Miller Fire Station #15 9127 W. Lilac Road, Escondido, CA 92025 P: 760-728-8532
You may also want to check out this how-to video, “You’ve Got Your Sandbags, Now What?” that explains how to properly fill and use sandbags to protect your property.
