BOISE-- The Boise Fire Department is putting the finishing touches on its newest fire station near Harris Ranch, just east of the Warm Springs neighborhood.
Station 15's grand opening is scheduled for next Tuesday. Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan says the new location will better serve Harris Ranch and the surrounding neighborhoods.
"We have three firefighters here right now," said Doan. The firefighters, who make up an engine company, have been working out of the new station since July 4th.
NEW STATION WILL BE TRAINING FACILITY
Doan says Station 15 was not just designed for firefighters to work out of -- he says it's meant to be a place where fire crews can perfect their skills.
"We just built a brand new station -- then to be taking them downtown to go train doesn't make sense," said Doan.
Firefighters demonstrate a weight-training area
Doan says Station 15 includes specialty training stations where firefighters can practice rescues, do ladder drills, and even rappel using climbing gear without leaving the parking lot.
"We built some of those features in at this station, so they can do it on a day-to-day basis and keep their skills up," said Doan.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FUTURE GROWTH
Station 15 was also designed with energy efficiency in mind.
"We also want to make sure we are protecting our environment and being good stewards of our city resources," Doan said. "It is really important for us to lead the way for our city to make sure this station is very energy efficient and that we are recycling all we can."
The station included energy efficient amenities for use by fire crews
The Boise Fire Department also built the station with future growth in mind. Doan hopes the building will be in use for 50 to 100 years.
Doan says another engine company will be added to the station when, and if, demand in the Harris Ranch area increases.
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
According to officials, the new station cost $1.8 million to build. Half the money came from the city's impact fund, which is money collected from assessments on new houses and businesses in the new fire district.
The Harris family donated the land for the building.
