HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10c - Donation of Sauna and Ice Bath UnitSTAFF REPORT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chen Suen, Fire Chief
By: Erica Seo, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: DONATION FROM DIALED LABS FOR A SAUNA AND ICE BATH UNIT
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Accept
SUMMARY
Dialed Labs, a leading manufacturer of saunas and cold plunges, recently launched
the statewide “Dialed and Defend” initiative. This initiative aims to provide California
first responders with high quality recovery tools that support physical wellness,
mental health, and operational readiness. Through this program, Dialed Labs
donates advanced recovery equipment to fire stations to help firefighters manage
the physical demands of their work. As part of the initiative, Dialed Labs is offering
to donate one sauna and one ice bath unit for installation at Arcadia Fire Department
Headquarters, Station 105. The value of both the sauna and ice bath units exceeds
$10,000; therefore, it is recommended that the City Council accept this donation in
accordance with Resolution No. 7514.
BACKGROUND
To help support the community, Dialed Labs approached the Arcadia Fire
Department to donate a sauna and ice bath unit to enhance firefighter recovery. The
donation is part of a pilot program that includes the delivery, installation, and use of
the recovery units. The program aims to provide fire personnel with tools to support
physical recovery, stress management, and overall wellness. This donation will
provide the Department with additional resources to support the recovery and
recharge of Arcadia firefighters.
Donation from Dialed Labs for a Sauna and Ice Bath Unit
January 20, 2026
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Firefighting is a physically demanding and high-stress occupation that has been
linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health challenges. According to
the National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”), overexertion or strain was the
leading cause of fireground injuries in 2024, accounting for 27% of all reported
injuries. Additionally, research indicates that coronary heart disease is responsible
for 45% of on-duty deaths among firefighters in the United States. Firefighters are
also exposed to absorption hazards, as carcinogens and other harmful substances
can penetrate the skin during and after fire suppression activities.
On-site recovery tools like a sauna and ice bath can help firefighters recover more
effectively. According to the National Library of Medicine, sauna use supports
circulation, cardiovascular health, and sweating to aid in contaminant elimination,
while ice baths reduce inflammation, relieve muscle soreness, and boost mood.
Together, these tools promote physical restoration, stress management, and overall
well-being.
DISCUSSION
The proposed donation includes one sauna unit and one ice bath unit. The sauna
unit operates on a 230-volt electrical connection and features a self-contained, low-
maintenance design. The ice bath unit operates on a standard 110-volt electrical
connection and is fully self-cooling and self-filtering, requiring no ice. Both units
include integrated self-cleaning and hygienic systems designed to ensure safe and
efficient operation. These units will be used to support recovery, reduce
inflammation and soreness, and improve sleep quality and stress management
among fire personnel.
Dialed Labs will provide all delivery and installation services at no cost to the City,
including the supply of replacement filters for the ice bath for the life of the unit. Any
electricity costs associated with the operating equipment are expected to be
marginal and will be absorbed within the Fire Department’s Operating Budget.
Installation is expected to take approximately two days, and the units will be
professionally assembled and electrically connected and tested before handoff.
Dialed Labs will follow all City guidelines for the installation and delivery of the unit.
All electrical work will be conducted through the company’s licensed electricians. The
sauna does not require ventilation, and the ice bath includes a bottom drain with a
garden hose attachment, allowing used water to be drained directly into the existing
Donation from Dialed Labs for a Sauna and Ice Bath Unit
January 20, 2026
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drain on the Station 105 balcony. Upon completion, Dialed Labs will coordinate a
brief visit to meet the Arcadia Fire Department team and document the installation
process to support media and community awareness efforts.
General cleaning will be performed by fire personnel, with one individual designated
per shift for overseeing the cleaning and disinfecting of the units. The units will be
cleaned after each use and will receive more thorough cleaning once per week.
Dialed Labs will provide ongoing support, including 24/7 customer service, on-site
technical assistance, and direct access to the company’s facilities director for
continued operational support.
Resolution No. 7514 states that the City Council must approve any donations
exceeding $10,000 in value. The two units, along with the installation services, will
exceed that figure. Specifically, the sauna unit is valued at $8,500, and the ice bath
unit is valued at $11,499. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council approve
the acceptance of this donation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that it will have
no impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Dialed Labs will provide all delivery, installation, replacement filters, and ongoing
technical support at no cost to the City, for the life of the unit. Routine operational
costs such as utilities and maintenance of the unit are anticipated to be very minimal
and can be absorbed by the Fire Department’s current Operating Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA"); and accept
a donation from Dialed Labs for a sauna and ice bath unit.
Donation from Dialed Labs for a Sauna and Ice Bath Unit
January 20, 2026
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