Fire department seeks relocated Station 7, additional squad and staffing changes to meet NFPA guidelines

Fire department leaders told the council they are near completion of the design to relocate Fire Station 7 to the west side of the city and said the move will improve coverage to growing neighborhoods while freeing older space for police vehicle storage.

The department identified Station 4 as the busiest single unit and requested an additional squad to enable minimum staffing that supports a 'two‑in/two‑out' interior firefighting posture in line with NFPA guidance. Presenters said Station 4’s location and call volume can leave crews isolated and that additional staffing would improve firefighter safety and response reliability.

Staff also described staffing plans tied to future Station 10 (South 31st): driver and firefighter hires that would move to the new station once built, with only a captain needed to be hired to stand up the unit. The department outlined equipment and training needs that include intent to order an apparatus and an exterior stair tower at the training center to prepare crews for multi‑story rescues.

Several council members asked about grant opportunities for gear and about how staffing and apparatus ordering would be phased. No formal action was taken at this session; the fire requests will be considered in the FY27 budget process.