Technical Services & Planning

New Station Being Proposed Central Fire Station May Be Relocated

The Technical Services and Planning Division has proposed the relocation of Fire Station #1. The new site would be near the intersection of Janes Ave and Thompson Street where 5th Street joins. The station site would be determined based on Insurance Services Office (ISO) guidelines for pumper and ladder truck response distances.

Fire Station #1, 801 Federal Ave, was constructed in 1937 and has approximately 24, 300 square feet of building under roof. The existing facility is two stories in height with a basement used for general storage of records, equipment, and evidence in arson related cases. The four bay facility was constructed when the department was much larger and in the architecture of the period. The Fire Prevention Division and administrative offices are collocated in this building. The building is highly energy inefficient with a gas fired boiler system and high ceilings creating higher than normal energy bills and increased maintenance expense.

The new fire station would be a four bay drive-through facility designed to house an engine and truck company, the on duty shift commander, fire prevention division, and administrative offices. An approximate 14,700 square foot building would be of modern design, more energy efficient, and with a forced air heating system and passive solar heat unit. Energy efficiency would be a prime concern in the overall design and layout of the building. Fire Captain Steve Filary has prepared and submitted a grant application for federal funding through FEMA and the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Act as part of the federal stimulus program. The grant application has estimated the construction cost at $3.133 million with the City of Saginaw providing $250,000 toward construction and in-kind cost. It is anticipated the grant review process will take a minimum of six months with design, contractor selection, and construction time taking an additional 18 months. Assuming grant approval the new station could be open for occupancy in late 2011 or early 2012.