The City has decided to construct a new Fire Station 31 on a new site in the district. Doing so allows the City to use response data to select the best location to minimize response times while addressing long-standing operational issues within the building.
Firefighters and apparatus at Fire Station 31 have been temporarily relocated to neighboring fire stations since June 18, 2019. The relocation occurred to allow for testing of mold, mycotoxins and water intrusion in their current facility located at 1319 N. Northgate Way. Testing results led environmental contractors to suggest facility improvements to address moisture levels. In light of structural conditions and physical capacity issues, the City has concluded that Station 31 requires replacement.
Next steps: Firefighters will continue responding out of neighboring fire stations while the City begins the process for finding land to house firefighters in an interim facility. The development of an interim facility – including siting, design, and construction – will begin immediately and completed as soon as possible.
Minimizing community impacts: The department will continue to monitor response times on a daily basis and remain focused on minimizing impacts to the community. When the relocation occurred, firefighters were strategically placed at fire stations nearest to Station 31. Firefighters from Station 31 are conducting their daily business in their normal district during the relocation. They are focusing on building familiarizations and inspections, training and hydrant inspections. These district responsibilities are keeping units in their home district to be able to quickly respond to emergencies and helping with impacts to response times.
Why build a new facility: Constructing a new facility addresses several important issues for residents and the City. The 1973 era station was built to house fewer firefighters and apparatus than is assigned to the station today. Even with recent levy-funded improvements, its capacity has been stretched further with an additional aid unit responding from the station. While projects and funds have been allocated to address issues at the station, when those costs were added to the list of repairs recommended by third-party environmental contractors, the decision was made to pursue relocation plans for the station.