Fire Station Project Aims to Slash Emergency Response Times

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the critical establishment of a new fire station on the east side of the Jordanelle, a project initiated nine months ago by the mayor and Fire Chief Eric Hales. This temporary station, located at the intersection of Deepwater Recreation and Hideout, aims to enhance emergency response capabilities not only for Hideout but also for the broader 248 corridor.

The new station will be staffed by Advanced EMTs trained as firefighters and will operate Engine 56, a fire engine equipped with essential emergency medical and firefighting tools. The project is expected to significantly reduce emergency response times by 8 to 12 minutes, a crucial improvement given that fire can double in size every few minutes and survival rates for cardiac arrest decrease by 7% for each minute of delay.

Despite the absence of allocated funds in the town budget, the mayor prioritized this initiative, leading to substantial investments in site exploration, engineering, and equipment procurement. To offset these costs, the town has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of $200,000. So far, approximately $45,000 has been raised, including a $10,000 pledge from Rocky Mountain Power.

The community is encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts, including a concert on June 21, where Engine 56 will be present, barring emergency calls. Attendees will have the opportunity to support the fire department through donations, which will also earn them a commemorative t-shirt. The ongoing fundraising efforts highlight the town's commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness in the region.