The Heartland Fire Training Authority exists for the purpose of providing ongoing training for local fire departments at it’s primarily facility: the Thomas H. Owen Heartland Fire Training facility. What makes this particular training facility unique is the fact that it is funded and operated by a Joint Powers Authority, which consists of the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee; The Fire Protection Districts of Alpine, Bonita-Sunnyside, Lakeside and San Miguel, and the Tribal Communities of Barona and Viejas.