MINOT – Construction of a new fire station that, when completed, is expected to reduce response time for fire calls in the northwest area of the city. Fire Station No. 5 is expected to be completed sometime next spring. Groundbreaking was held June 6.
The site of the new fire station is on Minot’s west side, along Fourth Avenue near the U.S. Highway 83 bypass. The station will have two bays, one for a new fire truck and the second for a utility vehicle. Some changes are necessary to adequately staff the new facility.
“We’re hiring three new firefighters for that station, with nine coming from other stations,” said Fire Chief Kelli Kronschnabel. “There will be 12 in there. Four on each shift.”
Work is underway on Fire Station No. 5 along Fourth Avenue on Minot’s west side. A 2023 spring opening is planned.
Some new equipment for Fire Station No. 5 has already been purchased and is in storage in preparation for the opening of the station. Firefighters will be equipped with new gear, including a new truck that has already been ordered.
“The new truck will be here before the opening of the station,” assured Kronschnabel. “It’s custom-made, heavier duty so they last longer.”
The new fire station has been designed, said Kronschnabel, to fit into the surrounding neighborhood.
“It should add pride to the neighborhood. It will have glass doors so people can see inside,” explained Kronschnabel. “We want to be good neighbors.”
A big aspect of the station is improved response time to fire calls. Fire Department analysis has revealed that response time to the northwest area of the city has been on the increase as the city expands.
“It’s been much slower getting up there, with the roads and such,” said Kronschnabel. “This is going to plug that hole up there really nicely.”
A faster response time to fire calls can be lifesaving, in addition to reducing property damage. Serving the northwest part of the city, the new fire station will alleviate demand on other fire stations within the city as well.
Minot currently has a Class 2 fire protection rating from the Insurance Services Office, a risk assessment firm that compiles statistical data for companies and communities. Bringing another fire station online is considered a step toward achieving a Class 1 ISO rating, which is recognized by some insurance companies when determining the price of certain insurance policies.
